FORT DRUM, N.Y. — More than 80 Fort Drum soldiers took to the Remington Park trails on Sept. 24 for a ruck march with a mission beyond physical training: strengthening connections and encouraging open conversations about suicide prevention.
In support of Fort Drum suicide prevention efforts, this event highlighted the importance of community awareness and support.
The event, called “No One Climbs Alone,” was held during Suicide Prevention Month. Soldiers carried heavy rucksacks along the trails while taking part in discussions focused on healthy relationships, active listening, resilience and asking for help.
A ruck march built around connection
Fort Drum Suicide Prevention Program coordinator Bill Van Orman said the march was designed to use a shared physical challenge to help soldiers build stronger relationships. The idea is simple: isolation can make difficult moments harder, while trusted connections can give people someone to turn to when they are struggling.
“We’re all tribal creatures, so you need to find your tribe,” Van Orman said, according to Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs.
Van Orman said those relationships can become an important protective factor when someone begins to withdraw from others. The march followed another Fort Drum Suicide Prevention Month event, the installation’s annual “Get a Grip” competition.
Resilience does not mean handling everything alone
Fort Drum’s Ready and Resilient, or R2, professionals joined the event and spoke with soldiers about mental skills that can help them manage stress and adversity.
Victoria Blakeslee, an R2 master resilience trainer, said the program emphasizes what soldiers can control and challenges the idea that resilience means solving every problem alone.
“One of the biggest myths of resilience is that resilient people handle everything on their own,” Blakeslee said.
Representatives from R2 and the Family Advocacy Program were stationed along the trail with discussion prompts on conflict resolution, active listening and healthy relationships. Fort Drum’s Suicide Prevention Program says its work is aimed at reducing suicidal behaviors while addressing myths and stigma surrounding help-seeking.
Communication on duty and at home
Capt. Montgomery Potter of the 2nd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, participated alongside co-pilot Spc. Bryan Fuentes. Potter connected the event’s message to aviation, where clear communication can be essential.
He described “positive communication” as making sure a message is not only sent but received and understood. Potter said that principle can extend beyond military operations into personal relationships.
Fort Drum continues suicide-prevention efforts
The Sept. 24 march was part of a broader series of suicide-prevention activities at Fort Drum. The installation’s Soldier and Family Readiness Division includes the Suicide Prevention Program, Family Advocacy Program, Risk Reduction Program and other services intended to support soldiers and military families.
The message behind “No One Climbs Alone” was that reaching out is a strength, not a failure of resilience. For service members facing stress, the people around them — fellow soldiers, friends, family members and trained professionals — can be part of a support network.
Where to get help
Anyone in the United States who is experiencing a mental health, substance-use or suicide-related crisis can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day.
Veterans, service members and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or by texting 838255. Fort Drum’s Suicide Prevention Program can also connect members of the installation community with prevention resources and support.
Sources: U.S. Army Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs; Fort Drum Soldier and Family Readiness Division; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; SAMHSA. Original reporting was also published by LocalSYR.
