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DLIFLC and Presidio of Monterey kick off Ready and Resilient campaign
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| The Presidio of Monterey kicked its Ready and Resilient wellness campaign Sept. 4 with the signing of a suicide prevention proclamation, a buddy pledge, a prayer for the fallen, and a moment of silence.The proclamation and buddy pledge was signed by Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant Col. David Chapman and Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander Col. Paul Fellinger, accompanied by DLIFLC Command Sgt. Maj. Matildo Coppi and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Wynn.“What is the essence of this day today?” asked rhetorically Chapman. “After nearly 13 years of conflict and the continuous deployment of our service members into harm’s way, the Army, and other Services, realized that the resilience of the force has weakened,” he explained to some 4,000 service members studying foreign languages at DLIFLC.“We realize there is a stigma surrounding seeking help… and to change a culture or behavior, we must all work together. We must look out for each other and use the buddy system – intervene when necessary,” Chapman told the audience, mostly ranging between 18 and 23 years of age.Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and has become a growing concern among military leaders. “All branches of the military are affected by suicide. The attitude toward seeking help will change when leaders convey the message that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength,” stated the narrator Sgt. Amy Cho.
Thirty eight vendors were present at the wellness fest half of which were booths containing information on how to seek help for mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual harassment. The remainder of vendors provided a variety of ethnic foods provided for participants of the day’s events. The Sun Street Road to Recover Center for alcohol and drug about brought night goggles that give one a sense of being under the influence and asked service members to play miniature golf. “When under the influence people don’t realizes that they are not well enough to drive or golf for that matter, “said director of prevention Maria Elena Morales. “We hope that this exercise will give them a sense of what is really happening to them when they are under the influence.” Sports played a major part in the wellness event with students participating in Frisbee, football, and Tug o’ War competitions. Dancing to music was an all time hit, with instructors teaching Zumba and Salsa. “It’s really great to be able to be here with all your friends and dance and have fun for an entire day. It builds morale and it reduces the stress of studying all the time,” said Spc. Elizabeth Ferris, a student of Chinese. The afternoon was topped off by the Soldier Show, featuring nearly two hours of song and dance performances by some of the most talented young men and women in the military. Story and Photo CreditsStory by Natela Cutter, Mission PAO |
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