Training focuses on effects of suicide

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Chaplain (Maj.) William Logan, installation chaplain, will discuss the impact suicide had on his family during two training sessions at the conference center here Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Logan will share the story of his son’s suicide to discuss this difficult topic.

“Suicide is a topic that makes people uncomfortable to talk about, yet many have been affected by someone they know who has completed a suicide or attempted a suicide,” said Linda Ambard, Hanscom’s community support coordinator. “During this presentation, Chaplain Logan will discuss the overwhelming feelings felt following the death of a loved one.”

Since his son’s death, Logan has become a trainer for a program called Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

“This training comes on the heels of September’s Suicide Prevention Month,” said Ambard. “The story of Chaplain Logan is compelling and will no doubt have an impact on those who attend.”

In addition to Logan, the presentations will include suicide prevention strategies from Ambard and Maj. Matthew Willerick, 66th Medical Squadron Mental Health commander.

The presentations are open to all members of the Hanscom workforce. Ambard encourages commanders and supervisors to use this training as part of their annual Wingman Day requirement.

To learn more about Logan’s story, visit http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Article/687086/chaplain-survives-aftermath-of-sons-suicide-spreads-awareness/.

Ambard asks those interested in attending to register in advance at https://cs.eis.afmc.af.mil/sites/Hanscom/pages/Hanscom%20Special%20Training.Aspx. Seating is limited to 200 people per session.

For further information, contact Ambard at 781-225-1771.