Fort Bragg seeks to save lives with suicide prevention program

2012 is a record year for suicides among active duty troops with an average of 33 deaths per month, according to the Pentagon. That's why Fort Bragg held a suicide prevention round table Thursday aimed at reducing suicides on post.

Posted 2:47 a.m. Sep 21, 2012 — Updated 1:25 p.m. Sep 21, 2012

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — 2012 is a record year for suicides among active duty troops with an average of 33 deaths per month, according to the Pentagon. That's why Fort Bragg held a suicide prevention round table Thursday aimed at reducing suicides on post.

MSG Eric Brooks said he has struggled with suicidal thoughts off and on since he returned from combat. He said his experience has given him necessary insight to help other soldiers.

"When my soldiers, my subordinates, my peers and my leaders start displaying some of the symptoms that I was experiencing eight years ago, and even until today, I'm more in tune with that," he said. "I know what to pick up on, and I'm able to provide that shoulder to cry on."

Next week, the Army will observe a "suicide stand down," which means every unit will focus on suicide prevention measures.

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