988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Federal Communications Commission, 15 July 2022
Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Military and veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.
Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. There are urgent mental health realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death.
There is hope. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network.
988 Fact Sheet
News Release: U.S. Transition to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Begins July 16
To learn more about the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration's 988 resources and information to help spread the word, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988.
988 Transition History
In a report to Congress in August 2019, Federal Communications Commission staff first proposed 988 as the nationwide, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code for individuals in crisis to connect to suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
On July 16, 2020, the FCC adopted rules to establish 988 as the nationwide, easy-to-remember 3-digit dialing code for people in crisis to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. On October 17, 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 was signed into law, incorporating 988 into statute as the new Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line phone number. Recognizing the need to better support at-risk communities in crisis, including youth and individuals with disabilities, the FCC adopted additional rules in November 2021 to expand access to this critical service by establishing the ability to also text 988. As a result, covered phone service and text providers in the United States and the five major U.S. territories—American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands— were required to direct all 988 calls and texts to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
To ensure that calls to 988 reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, all covered providers were required to implement 10-digit dialing in areas that both use seven-digit dialing and use 988 as the first three numbers in seven-digit phone numbers. On and after the July 16, 2022 implementation date, local calls in these areas dialed with only 7 digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. Consumers must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator has a complete listing of affected area codes and resource materials for local government and community organizations.
Air Force Announces the 12 Outstanding Airmen for 2022
14 July 2022, by Staff Sgt. Kiana Pearson, Air Force's Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) --
Air Force officials have selected the service’s top enlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022.
An Air Force selection board at the Air Force’s Personnel Center considered 36 nominees who represented major commands, direct reporting units, field operating agencies and Headquarters Air Force. The board selected the 12 Airmen based on superior leadership, job performance and personal achievements.
The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (alphabetically, by command of assignment when selected) are:
Tech. Sgt. Brandon S. Blake, Air Force Special Operations Command
Senior Airman Demarion N. Davis, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa
Senior Airman Monica A. Figueroa Santos, Air Force Global Strike Command
Senior Master Sgt. Kade N. Forrester, Air Force District of Washington
Senior Master Sgt. Megan A. Harper, Air Combat Command, operations superintendent, 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Tech. Sgt. Brianne E. Kelleher, Air Force Reserve Command
Tech. Sgt. Alexander W. Messinger, Air Education and Training Command, standardization evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
Senior Airman Steven C. Peters, Air Mobility Command
Senior Airman Kristina L. Schneider, Air National Guard
Airman 1st Class Caden A. Soper, Pacific Air Forces
Senior Airman Christopher T. Thao, Air Force Materiel Command - Airman supporting Space Force
Tech. Sgt. Jennifer G. Thomas, Air Force Materiel Command - Air Force
The winners are authorized to wear the Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon with the bronze service star device on the ribbon. They are also authorized to wear the OAY badge for one year from the date of formal presentation.
The Outstanding Airmen of the Year program debuted at AFA’s 10th annual National Convention in 1956, and the association has continued to shine a spotlight on the outstanding Airmen from each major command every year since.
AFSFA Commissions 50 Commemorative Sig Sauer M18 Pistols
Between 1 June and 31 July 2023 any current AFSFA member may call in and place their name on a list for one of the military’s newest modular handguns … the Sig Sauer M18. These commemorative pistols will have the Security Forces shield outline engraved on the black plate just in front of the rear sight and bear our name, AIR FORCE SECURTY FORCES ASSOC, on the right side of the slide as pictured. The 9MM pistol is flat dark earth in color and comes with: a manual safety; (2) 17 round steel magazines; the SIGLITE night sights; and, an AFSFA certificate of authenticity numbered to the pistol. Pistols sell for $880.00 each which includes shipping but DOES NOT include transfer fees.
Interested AFSFA members MUST call the AFSFA office at 210-277-0448 or John at 505-414-2166 NO EARLIER than 1 June and NO LATER than 1 August 2023 and personally talk with Crystal or John to place their name on the list. Once current membership is confirmed the member’s name will be added to the list. Members may put their name on the list ONLY ONCE. The drawing will take place on 2 August 2023 and the 50 members names drawn will be notified that week. Delivery is anticipated to start in November 2023. Members will be contacted in early September to pay for the pistol and provide weapons dealer shipping information. Since these pistols are customized with engraving they may not be shipped to CA or MA. There are NO exceptions to this rule. Additionally, CO, DC, MD, NJ, NY and VT all have magazine restrictions for 10 rounds unless the member is an active Law Enforcement Officer in their state.
Zero Eyes; Helping 325th SFS Detect, Deter Potential Firearm Threats
Published March 29, 2022 by SSgt Magen M. Reeves, 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. –
A computer image demonstrates the capabilities of Zero Eyes, a new artificial intelligence software designed to detect and alert the presence of firearms, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 28, 2022. Zero Eyes utilizes digital images captured by cameras placed across the installation to alert the 325th Security Forces Squadron of potential adversaries or aggressors. (Courtesy photo)
The 325th Security Forces Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base is leading the way in advancing technology and innovation by serving as the first unit to test revolutional, preemptive base security measures.
The squadron is partnering with Zero Eyes, an artificial intelligence, software-based system, that utilizes digital images captured by cameras strategically placed across the installation to detect and deter potential adversaries or aggressors.
“The AI software can identify weapons such as shotguns, rifles and other weapon models,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Murphy, 325th SFS technology and innovations noncommissioned officer in charge. “The software (detects) 360-degree visuals of various weapon models in a database which then triggers an alarm sent to security forces (who can dispatch responders) to get there as soon as possible in an active shooter situation.”
According to Murphy, the AI system is able to distinguish when a firearm is in a slung position, as it would be carried normally by law enforcement so an alarm isn’t being triggered by security forces Airmen during their standard shifts.
“The addition of this technology will add to and augment the installation’s Integrated Base Defense and, if it is determined by the Air Force Security Forces Center and higher headquarters as a good use case, then it could be deployed Air Force-wide, possibly even [throughout the] Department of Defense,” said Murphy.
Tyndall implemented the software earlier this year and currently remains in the testing and evaluating stage; working out kinks in the system and identifying potential improvements if the software is picked up throughout the service enterprise.
A computer image demonstrates the capabilities of Zero Eyes, a new artificial intelligence software designed to detect and alert the presence of firearms, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 28, 2022. Tyndall implemented the software in early 2022 and it currently remains in the testing and evaluating stage. (Courtesy photo)
“This innovation in technology is ‘early warning’ in nature and can help security forces Airmen save seconds that will save lives,” said Murphy. “It is fully mission capable and due to that presence, it is a deterrence to stop or mitigate damage. The AI meets our mission intent because these technologies are used to strengthen our multi-layered base defense capability and augment our manpower.”
The 325th SFS is working closely with higher-level units including the Air Force Security Forces Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center and AFWERX, a technology directorate of AFRL, to accelerate change.
“Innovation is embedded in our culture as Airmen,” said Maj. Jordan Criss, 325th SFS commander. “From the inception of airpower to future conflicts, innovation is a must for the world’s greatest Air Force. We cannot fight tomorrow’s war with yesterday’s equipment. These types of innovations…ultimately protect our greatest resource: our Airmen.”
Major General Andrea D. Tullos Confirmed for her Third Star
Just before the Senate departed for their Memorial Day recess, they approved a number of nominations across the Air Force and Space Force including our own past Top Cop Maj Gen Tullos who will now become Lieutenant General Tullos! Congrats from all your Air Force Security Forces Association Defenders … well done!!!
Maj. Gen. Andrea D. Tullos is the Deputy Commander at Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The command is responsible for the recruiting, training and education of Air and Space Force personnel and includes Air Force Recruiting Service, two Numbered Air Forces and Air University. AETC operates more than 1,400 trainer, fighter and mobility aircraft, 24 wings, 11 bases and five geographically-separated groups. It governs approximately 60,000 active-duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and contractor personnel who train more than 293,000 students per year.
General Tullos entered the Air Force in 1991 and received her commission through Officer Training School as a distinguished graduate. She is a career Security Forces officer and has previously served as a staff officer at the combatant command, Joint Staff, Air Staff and major command levels, most recently as the Director of Security Forces, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. She has completed multiple command tours at the squadron, group, wing, and numbered Air Force level.
Her complete biography can be found here: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/936182/andrea-d-tullos/
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