Hillary Floren
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Suicide is a leading cause of death for U.S. troops, accounting for nearly 40 percent of active duty deaths.
Thousands of soldiers at Fort Bliss and around the world have seen a suicide prevention play performed by their peers – fellow active duty soldiers. Onstage, they bring one man’s emotional story to life. It tells of his rise in the ranks, to his fall, when he gets a DWI and hits rock bottom, before taking his life. For one of those actors, First Class Alon Humphrey, who plays the leading role, it’s personal.
“I was able to tap into the past I was on the verge of failing and somebody lifted me up,” Humphrey says.
The cast has put in hours rehearsing. The play explores substance abuse, suicide ideation, and what to do if someone near you expresses a desire to end their life. Scott Jackson is another actor who takes the responsibility seriously.
“I’ve seen suicide impact personal friends, soldiers, and when he invited me to be a part of it, it’s siomply an effort I couldn’t say no to,” Jackson says. He plays the role of a leader dealing with the aftermath of the suicide. He says the role has impacted him on stage.
“Anyone inmpacted by these incidents feels it diff whether in rehearsals or productions you’re hit by those experiences from your own life in random and unexpected moments,” Jackson says. He adds that learning about such an important subject from peers is more impactful than reading about it from a textbook.
Before each performance, the cast joins hands praying their message reaches those who need it. Director Russell Jordan says it’s making an impact, and tens of thousands of servicemen of all ranks have watched the production. One conversation can open the door to help. One person can make a difference.
“When we’re talking people’s hearts, from D1 to 3 star generals, this had an impact. That’s why it’s going across the world right now,” Jordan says. As a Specialist in the Army Substance Abuse Program, or ASAP, he’s attended far too many funerals for others who have taken their own lives.
” Even though things seem overwhelming…that we’ll never get out of our life situation. that’s just temporary. People don’t know how much you know only how much you care. That’s what we’re doing today. We’re showing that we care,” Jordan says.
You can watch “Second Chance,” click here.
If you have suicidal thoughts or need someone to talk to, call 988, and press 1 for the Military Veterans Crisis Hotline.
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