CWOA 1st Quarter Metting and Suicide Awareness Month

Dear CWOA Members,

We are pleased to remind you of our upcoming CWOA 1st Quarter Meeting, hosted by the Independence Chapter, scheduled for September 30, 2024, at McGillin's Olde Ale House, located at 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. The meeting will run from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, a formal hybrid meeting will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent out one hour prior to the meeting.

Please RSVP your intention to attend in person by September 12 to CWO2 Abigail Wellman at [email protected] or CWO4 Michael Goglia at [email protected].

Join us for an afternoon of camaraderie, engaging conversation, and a hot and cold buffet, complemented by a two-hour open bar. The cost per individual will be determined based on attendance, estimated between $20-$30.

During the meeting, we will hear updates from each of our Committee Chairmen, and the results of the current By-laws vote will be announced.

In addition, September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and supporting one another. As highlighted in the article "It’s okay to ask for help: Connect to Protect" from the Coast Guard, our Suicide Prevention Program emphasizes the importance of reducing situations that might lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The program strongly encourages Districts to host safeTALK and/or ASIST trainings at their duty stations. Individuals trained in ASIST who are interested in becoming Shipmate Support Peers (SSPs) within their units can contact their local Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC) or Cmdr. LaMar Henderson, Suicide Prevention Program Manager ([email protected]).

Resources available include:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you believe someone needs support, please call/text 988. In cases where an individual is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 911.
• CG SUPRT: Call 1-855-CG-SUPRT (247-8778) at any time. CG SUPRT offers a full range of services to assist active-duty members, reservists, civilian employees, and dependent family members. Visit CG SUPRT online at CG SUPRT or download the CG SUPRT app on your smartphone for access to non-medical counseling, health coaching, education support, and more, available year-round, 24/7.
• Regional Behavioral Health Providers (RBHPs): Enhanced prevention, intervention, and postvention behavioral health support is available. Contact your unit medical officer for a referral or email [email protected].
• Work-Life Employee Assistance Program Coordinators (EAPCs): EAPCs are available to assist in connecting you to various supportive resources.
• Chaplains: Chaplains offer valuable support. Contact 1-855-USCG-CHC (872-4242) for assistance.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Available 24/7 at 988 (Press 1) or (800) 273-8255 (Press 1) for veterans, service members, or anyone concerned about them. You can also text 838255.

We encourage you to participate in Suicide Prevention Month activities, including Vision Board/Remembrance Board events and webinars hosted by the Coast Guard.
Thank you for your attention to these important matters. We look forward to seeing you at McGillin's Olde Ale House for what promises to be a productive and supportive meeting.

Best regards,

CWO4 Rob Resendes
President, Chief Warrant Officers Association

Quarterly Meeting Registration