KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base is hosting the ‘Life Fest’ event in recognition of their tactical resilience pause 7-10 a.m., at Hardin Field, Sept. 13, 2019.
“Life Fest is for KAFB community members,” said Edith Wegner, violence prevention integrator at KAFB. “It’s in observance of suicide prevention awareness as there are many people who have dealt personally with suicide, or have friends or family members who have been effected by suicide.”
The event will focus on bringing people together; while providing food, activities and information booths available to all who attend.
“This is an important event because it provides an opportunity for everyone to have some fun together, take some time to get to know other members of the community while also learning about what services exist in their community that can be useful,” said Wegner. “Suicide prevention is an important effort.”
Gen. David L. Goldfein, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, ordered a resilience tactical pause throughout the Air Force to address the increase in suicides. How the resilience tactical pause transpires is up to each wing commander.
“Phase One of the resilience tactical pause is a 45 day window in which the entire Air Force will be conducting a variety of events to build unit cohesion, generate discussion and gather input on how to prevent suicide,” said Wegner. “The Air Force takes suicide prevention seriously and understands that the most important protective factor for suicide prevention is when people feel included.”
Life Fest is deemed an alternate duty location for 377th Air Base Wing personnel and other military service members as determined by their commander. Families and children are welcome.
“I am hoping that when people are at Life Fest they take whatever they need from it, have fun and that when they see other people out they will make a connection,” said Wegner.
For more information on ‘Life Fest’, call the Violence Prevention Office at 505-846-0288.