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Show June 14. 2001 Bob's suicide caused many to wonder 'why' by Tech. Sgt D. EL Manuszewski Jr. ft 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Why did Bob do it' Why didn't he seek help? Why didn't he tell someone, and if he did, why didn't they help him? Why did Bob do this to his family, to his friends, to tome! Why? his Of course there were no easy answers to these questions, and each question brought up others. ' and I didn't talk about it much after an My initial counseling with the professionals at mental health, now called life skills support centers. But we all knew it was still in the air. Even though it seemed like we had recovered from it, we hadn't I could tell by the expressions on my faces they felt the same things I felt: hopelessness, loss, guilt and, above all, confusion. I have to think each of us, in his or her own way, still reflects on the day we heard the news and wonders why. That question will never be answered; the only thing anyone can do for the future is to be attuned to each other. n briefDon't just consider the annual ing a standard "bore fest" Go there as an active participant learn what the signals of suicide are. Looking back, I can see where, even as a casual acquaintance, I saw some of the signals in Bob but chose to ignore them. I chose to gossip about Bob's problems instead of trying to help him. I chose to ignore the signals. I chose the easy way out "Bob's dead" The ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. (AFPN) words are as fresh in my mind today as the day 10 years ago when my wife said them to me while I sat in the barber's chair at the base exchange. As the base's casualty-assistanc- e representative, many thoughts ran through my head. What happened? Was anyone else involved? How did it happen? Who's doing the casualty reporting? Who's going to help Bob's family? Every question was soon answered except the one question I didn't think of immediately: Why? The "what happened" was Bob hooked a hose from the exhaust of his car to the driver's side window, closed all the doors and windows to the car in his sealed garage and started the car. The question of "was anyone else involved" was answered with a resounding yes: from Bob's wife and infant daughter to the many people who knew him, worked with him and called him friend. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob and his family socially for about a year before his suicide. Although we weren't buddies, we did build a professional respect for one another. and everyone else who knew For me, my it had before. I was lucky life wouldn't on as Bob, go enough to be busy during the first few days after Bob's suicide, but once I had the time to reflect, the fundamental question was "why?" rs rs rs' suicide-preventio- rs reward Driving off for the extra going 45 days 9A ing the rest of their lives without him without their hus-- , band, their father, and their friend. I know if s not my fault that Bob killed himself, but, like hundreds of other peo--' pie who knew him, we all probably wish it were our fault he didn't . Scouts thank base day ffjrfs a The driving under the influence mishap with-H!o- ut for all military units on base or only for units subordinate to the 75th Air Base Wing and the 388th Fighter Wing? Originally, the agreement pertained to the aW388th FW and 75th ABW.' Although I'm new at Hill AFB, I believe every military Team Hill member has played in the rewards and punishments for an effective DUI program, and it should apply to all military including associates. I encourage associate unit commanders to identify this Friday as DUI Goal Day, if the mission allows. The 388th FW com- mander and I agree and encourage other comman ders on Team Hill to recognize this achievement-Thdecision rests with associate unit commanders and agency chiefs. Don't lose sight of the fact that drinking and driving is dumb. In the future, time off won't be granted for obeying the law. Well use several other significant factors to determine .if Hill AFB achieves goal days. Meanwhile, thanks for keeping our streets safer and let's keep the DUIs to zero. exercises Security during checked at the aren't gates badges Hijduring exercises? And, why don't BIdg. 507 and BIdg. 5 follow the same security requirements? fJWhy A We take security at Hill AFB very seriously. During XWkexercises requiring increased security, Security Forces must show the capability of executing tighter security, such as 100 percent identification checks. Once I'm satisfied that this capability has been demonstrated for the exercise, I have the option of putting security measures into a simulated mode. The simulated mode allows our security personnel to continue training through the exercise, but minimizes impact to those not directly associated with the training objective. I also researched your question about Bldgs. 507 and 5. Each area has the same security requirements. Enforcement" of these requirements falls on the shoulders of the buildings' owners. We will continue to emphasize to all personnel their role in supporting proper security procedures in their work areas. If you have any other base entry or security concerns, call Senior Master Sgt James LaRocque at Ext . Boy Scouts of America want to personally Quality Systems for America's Air Force Hilltop Times Published by MorMedia, Inc., a private firm in no way connected Math the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Hill AFB. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Hilltop Times are ACTION LINE is ..! r--1 you and your team for helping us complete the most successful Scouting for Food drive in history. The Air Force Aid Office food pantry has taken in more than 20,000 pounds of food for the year 2001 as compared to last year's donations of 2,560 pounds. This is simply an astonishing effort from your staff and the many volunteers. The role of the Scouting for Food drive is to provide groceries for the needy who would otherwise go without food and the necessities of life. We thank the professional staff and the many volunteers that brought about such a successful Scouting for Food campaign. We look forward to working with you in tf te future. Lyle Elmore, district executive Weber River District Trapper Trails Council Boy Scouts of America 75th ABW Commander and solving problems before calling ACTION LINE. This will help me better Kudo Hill workforce will be published in the Hilltop Times. your opportunity to make Hill AFB a better place to live, work and play. Whea you call Ext. or send on Outlook to "HILL ACTION LINE," your 00 ail comments will be recorded and staffed through the agency responsible for action. Please give your supervisor and chain of command the oppor-tunit- v to work with vou in answering auestions Cot. David Beecroft serve your interests. Items of basewide interest to the I'd like to say thanks to Rita Wingert and Barbara Bannigan at the Base Engraving Shop. I can't tell you how many times they have bailed me out of tight situations. They are always upbeat and willing to do whatever it takes to help the customer. They both do a fantastic job. Thanks! Thanks for complimenting our Engraving Shop staff. They continually come through for the base populace each day, creating keepsakes that sum up awards, tours of duty and entire careers. The Skills Development Center staff recently installed a new laser engraver that allows them to compete with the best shops in the local community. We invite everyone to stop by and see the quality products offered by the Engraving Shop and Skills Development Center. Phone numbers The base agencies listed below can be contacted directly if you have a complaint or a problem with their services: . .. 1 Security Forces 24-h- r. Crisis Information 50 ................. 55 Services. Base Restaurants RetirementCompensation (civilian) 43 42 Social Actions Employee Relations. . 16 29 Military Pay Civilian Pay Air Fcrce Suggestion Program 51 .......... IG IG Complaints (for appointment). Complaints (after hours). Fraud, Waste or Abuse (recording) 75th Medical Group Kudo As a player and observer, I would like to personally express my thanks and appreciation to the Hess Civil Engineering...... Hill Frkks Hotiif . Fitness Center staff and everyone that made the Basketball Tournament a success. The tour- 05 61 56 ; IT. HV Public Affairs Military Housing Maintenance. I SafetyOffice Union .........7-325AFOSI Narcotics Hotline Family Assistance Center (when activated) . . .......... 3-o- n-3 nament was professionally organized, games started on time, and the sportsmanship exhibited by the players and fans was tremendous. Likewise, the Hess Fitness Center staff was professional, courteous and enthusiastic about the tournament I hope this event will continue here at Hill AFB. ......... ,. ...... 33 01 63 33 7 90 j Global Power and Reach for America. " "Air Force people building the world's most respected Air and Space Force COPY The easy way left a fellow servicemember's family liv--" not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Air Force or MorMedia, Inc., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Ogden Air Logistics Center Public Affairs Office staff in BIdg. 1 102. second floor. Call Ext. with story ideas or comments, or send to . lltop.paMll.af.mir. ail Unless otherwise indicated, all photos are U.S. Air Force photos. TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT, CALL Hilltop Times Editorial Staff: Maj. Gen. Scott Bergren Maj. Sam Hudspath Bill Orndorff Mary Galbraith, Gary Boyle, Sue Berk, Senior Airman Russ Martin. . Commander, Director, Public Affairs OO-AL- C Edfor Staff writers Deadlines: Editorial and "Around the Hill" items, 3 p.m. Friday before publication; sports articles, 9 a.m. Monday, week of publication; classified ads, 5 p.m. Tuesday, week of publication. For more Information, call the editor, Ext 625-430- 0 |