A command team from the Hawaii-based 25th Combat Aviation Brigade visited one of their battalions at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in January to hold sensing sessions in which troops discussed their opinions on mental health, loss and grief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The trip came after two soldiers from 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, died by suicide in late December and January, and a third soldier attempted suicide in that same time period, according to two people and an email from a unit official obtained by Army Times that describes the three incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Army Alaska command team also visited the post \u201ca day after the second death,\u201d said spokeswoman Lt. Col. Catina Barnes, who added that \u201cmore similar meetings are planned.\u201d <\/b>But Barnes said she could not discuss the deaths, or confirm they were suicides, due to ongoing investigations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Army Alaska has acknowledged grappling with suicide in the past. It\u2019s a problem that has disproportionately affected Fort Wainwright<\/a> in the remote interior of Alaska, where the long, dark winters can be difficult for some people\u2019s mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n