Fort Drum Soldiers Master Suicide Prevention: Essential Steps

10th Mountain Division Soldiers Compete in Get a Grip Challenge

On September 18, 2026, soldiers of the renowned 10th Mountain Division (LI) stepped up in the Get a Grip competition, an annual event held at Fort Drum, New York. The competition was part of the division’s observance of Suicide Prevention Month, demonstrating their strength, endurance, and brotherhood.

The Role of the Fort Drum Suicide Prevention Program

Under the banner of “We Are Stronger Together – Connect to Protect,” the Fort Drum Suicide Prevention Program and the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) team hosted the event.

As outlined by Bill Van Orman, the Suicide Prevention Program coordinator, the competition promoted interpersonal communication and unity among soldiers – a key principle of the program. He emphasized that face-to-face interaction and mutual support were crucial elements of the event, where mobile devices had no room.

Importance of Grip Strength in Soldier Fitness

The collaboration with H2F not only provided subject-matter experts to run the multi-stage grip and endurance challenges, but also focused on the importance of grip strength in a soldier’s life. According to Major Gaylord, an H2F strength and conditioning coach, grip strength is essential for soldiers’ physical tasks and correlates with their overall lifespan.

Grip strength is factored into the Army Fitness Test’s deadlift event, and grip endurance is tested in the kettlebell segment of the sprint-drag-carry event. Soldiers can work with H2F coaches to improve their AFT test scores and more.

Get a Grip: Strengthening Bonds among Soldiers

The Get a Grip competition, a part of Fort Drum’s Suicide Prevention Month activities for the past five years, has proven to be an effective strategy for suicide prevention. It fosters communication and builds relationships, key protective factors against suicide. The ability to vent to someone and receive support can make a considerable difference, as Van Orman highlighted.

Participants’ Experience

Participants like Pfc. Marcus Gaston entered the competition to gauge his strength against other division soldiers. Despite not meeting his personal expectations, Gaston appreciated the sense of camaraderie fostered during the event. He also mentioned that his unit’s discussions around suicide prevention have prepared him to provide support when someone is in need.

Sgt. Sheila Smith, another participant agrees. This was her second time competing in the Get a Grip event, and she found it a great opportunity to meet new people and push herself further.

Upcoming Events for Suicide Prevention Month

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, Van Orman has planned an 8.5-mile battle buddy ruck at Remington Park on September 24. Community members and soldiers are invited to participate in the “No One Climbs Alone” event. To register, you can click here.

Suicide Prevention Resources

If you’re a Fort Drum community member in search of suicide prevention resources, visit the Mountain CARES section on the Fort Drum website.

For immediate assistance, the Military Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255, or you can text 838255 for free and confidential support.