FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – Soldiers, family members and the community assembled for a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 5K Color Run/Walk hosted by the Soldier & Family Readiness Center on Sept. 23 at Warrior-Sentinel Fields.

"We are raising awareness of suicide and building community engagement," said Joanne Prince, Suicide Prevention Program manager at SFRC. "Engagements build hope."

The determined wore war paint. The bravest donned tutus. Some tag-teamed with dogs; and a few pushed double strollers and herded toddlers. Most arrived in white T-shirts to show off the vibrant hues of powder flung as a rite of passage for their participation.

"I had a smooth run," said Pfc. Aubrie Kennamer, Charlie Company, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion. "I participated to better myself."

Kennamer said Soldiers new to the installation joined the run to build camaraderie with their peers.

“The run was something fun to do here," said Pvt. Monica Burgos, Charlie Company, 305th MI Bn. Burgos ran across the finish line among the first five runners, splattered with bright green and turquoise.

Close on Burgos' heels, through thick plumes of violet, green and blue, appeared Alex Curtis, an eighth grader from Vail, Arizona, and the youngest of the first five to finish.

"The run was easy for the most part," said Alex.

"It felt like a long way, and it got hot," he reported. "I also had to stop and tie my shoe."

Even with those factors, Alex ran an impressive 5K.

"I love it; I am so proud of him!" exclaimed Katherine Curtis, Alex's mother and Family Advocacy Program specialist at SFRC. "He was excited to come and participate with us today."

"Alex left us all in the colored dust!" Curtis laughed.

Spc. Juriel Sanchez, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, and Pfc. Brian Gangoso, Bravo Company, 305th MI Bn, both crossed the finish line first running the 5K in less than 18 minutes.

Volunteers armed with buckets of pigment stood along the scenic route to refresh a runner's colors just in case they faded from the initial rainbow gauntlet.

USO volunteers cheered everyone's finish and provided well-deserved hydration for participants.

"The Soldier and Family Readiness Center thanks all the volunteers from Alpha Company, 309th Military Intelligence Battalion; Alpha Company, 305th MI Battalion; and the Student Hold Company at 111th Military Intelligence Brigade!" Prince exclaimed. "It is incredible the support we got for this!"

More than 200 participants ran or walked to demonstrate their support for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month reminding Soldiers, family and friends in crises they are never alone.

Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM)/9th Army Signal Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.

Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.

We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors

SFRC hosts suicide awareness 5K with flying colors