78th Signal Battalion Soldiers in Japan run to stamp out suicide

CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Sweating for a cause, Soldiers of the 78th Signal Battalion teamed up with the Army Substance Abuse Program at Yano Field here for a high-energy 5K run, boosting physical fitness and suicide prevention awareness in a single stride.

The run served as a centerpiece for the unit's observance of Suicide Prevention Month, a campaign held every September to foster connection and build mental resilience across the force.

The challenging pace pushed the Soldiers to their limits, building endurance and grit ahead of upcoming fitness tests, Capt. James Dawson, incoming commander of the battalion's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, said. Beyond physical readiness, the themed training focused heavily on total Soldier care.

"What it comes down to is taking care of Soldiers," Dawsons said. "Oftentimes, life happens - things get hard for Soldiers, and we can't always see it. So, it's important to have these company events to come together and remind the team to check in on each other, continue to do routine things routinely, and take care of the team."

While the rigorous session pushed fitness and unit bonding, Dawson emphasized that the goal was reinforcing a vital lesson: Strength lies in looking out for one another.