Suicide Prevention - Resources - The National Guard

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In crisis? Seeking support is a sign of strength.
24/7 support is available:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or click here for live chat.

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1; text 838255; or click here for live chat.

NGB Warrior Resilience and Fitness (WRF) Division facilitates the Joint Suicide Prevention Program. The program
enhances suicide prevention-related policies and training, advances data collection and analysis, expands access to
community resources, and conducts strategic communication outreach aimed at reducing suicidal behavior across the
Army and Air National Guard. To learn more about WRF resources, click here.

DoD/VA RESOURCES

Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO)
DSPO Risks and Warning Signs
DSPO Lethal Means Safety Resources
DSPO Leaders Suicide Prevention Messaging Guide
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Lethal Means Safety Resources
VA Mental Health and Wellness Mobile Apps
VA Confidential Self-Check Quiz

NATIONAL PROGRAMS

Project Safeguard
NG Cares

GOVERNANCE

CNGBI
CNGB DTM 0300.00

NON-CRISIS COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

Military OneSource
Vet Center Call Center
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline
Psychological Health Resource Center Live Chat
inTransition Live Chat
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
NG Family Assistance Centers
Vet Centers
Star Behavioral Health Providers
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration FIND Treatment
More
Give an Hour
Cohen Veterans Network
Face the Fight
Avalon Action Alliance
PsychArmor
Operation Mend
Travis Manion Foundation
Directors of Psychological Health (CAC enabled)
More

Video by Cpl. Rhianna Ballenger, Stephen Bates, Sgt. Michael Parnell, Sgt. Jessica Rutledge

Retirement Ceremony in honor of SMA Michael E. Grinston

Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington

Aug. 3, 2023 | 58:12

16th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael E. Grinston was recognized for his 35 years of service in the United States Army during a retirement ceremony conducted by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" ceremonial units of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) held at Conmy Hall, Fort Myer, Virginia, Aug 3, 2023. Chief of Staff of the Army General James C. McConville, who served many times over the years with SMA Grinston, hosted the ceremony.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston was sworn in as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army on Aug. 9, 2019. Grinston has held every enlisted leadership position in artillery, ranging from cannon crewmember to command sergeant major.

As the Sergeant Major of the Army, Grinston is the Army Chief of Staff's personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force. He devotes the majority of his time traveling throughout the Army to observe training and interact with Soldiers and their Families. He sits on a variety of councils and boards that make decisions affecting enlisted Soldiers and their Families and is routinely invited to testify before Congress. Grinston is the public face of the U.S. Army's Noncommissioned Officer Corps, representing the NCO Corps to the American people in the media and through business and community engagements.

Grinston is a native of Jasper, Alabama, and enlisted in the Army in October 1987. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as an artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Grinston’s deployments include Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom, and Kosovo. As the 1st Infantry Division command sergeant major, Grinston served as the senior enlisted leader for the Army’s first deployment of a division headquarters in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He also served as the I Corps command sergeant major, and as the command sergeant major for U.S. Army Forces Command.

Grinston’s military education includes all levels of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System. He is a graduate of Ranger School, Airborne School, Drill Sergeant School, Air Assault School, How the Army Runs Course, the Equal Opportunity Leaders Course and the Keystone Course. Grinston holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (2nd award), Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2nd award), the Bronze Star medal (3rd award). He has earned the Ranger tab, Master Parachutist badge, Air Assault badge, Drill Sergeant Identification badge, and the Combat Action Badge.