National Guard Holds Suicide Stand-down

Intro:	The active-duty component of the Army starts off a suicide stand-down this weekend that the Missouri National Guard will soon follow.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: 116 and counting.

That is the number of army suicides that have occurred in the U.S. so far in 2012.

Spokesperson Troy Rolan of the U.S. Army says the guard and the army reserve are part of the suicide intervention program that will help reduce the number of suicides.

He says the army will hold personal discussion groups that will cover depression and suicide.

Actuality:	TR.WAV
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Description: "We discuss personal stories, we discuss personal interests, we'll discuss what we could do invidually to help prevent suicide in this case."

The Missouri National Guard will hold its own suicide intervention program in October.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jamie Ries.

Intro:	The Missouri National Guard will hold a suicide stand-down for one training weekend in October.
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Wrap: A rise in military suicides has caused task forces to put aside their day-to-day training.

After four reported Missouri suicides in 2012, the Missouri National Guard is preparing a community-based intervention program.

State Chaplain Gary Gilmore of the Missouri National Guard says members need a time out from their physical duties and a time in for self reflection.

Actuality:	GG2.WAV
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Description: "We want to get that message out of care and support. There are resources available if you'll be brave enough to pick up the phone; our guys will pick up a weapon, but to pick up a phone is kind of hard sometimes."

Gilmore says members will be given suicide information for times of need.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jamie Ries.

Intro:	The Missouri National Guard's preparation for a suicide intervention program looks promising.
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Wrap: There have been four reported suicides this year in the Missouri National Guard and 116 in the U.S. Army.

The Missouri National Guard and the U.S. Army will fight together against current suicide rates.

State Chaplain Gary Gilmore says that training can save lives by showing members they are not alone.

Actuality:	GG3.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "I know we've saved lives by doing training like this, and I'm very positive that it will have an impact. It's just going to be really hard to measure."

He says taking a bullet for his members is not only important while on the battlefield, but off of it as well.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jamie Ries.