ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- September is Suicide Prevention and Resiliency Awareness Month, and one way the Air Force strengthens resiliency among Airmen is placing emphasis on the spiritual pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program.

"The spiritual pillar is designed to help Airmen deal with difficult situations in their lives," said Capt. Thomas Foley, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain. "It can even guide them in making plans that will eventually improve their lives."

Foley explained that all Airmen have the freedom to believe in what they chose to.

"Sometimes people lose sight of that fact," Foley said. "That's where I, as a chaplain, try and help remind them of what's important to them, which in turn, might strengthen the principles and values they believe in."

Foley said that once an individual finds and focuses on their beliefs, principles and values, then he must fight to preserve them and establish them as a foundation for his spiritual pillar.

In addition to finding hope through building one's spiritual pillar, Airmen can be wingmen to one another as a way of fostering a supporting environment.

"Always remember, our most valuable resource is each other," said Chuck Hagel, U.S. Secretary of Defense during a recent press conference. "By fighting as one team, we can and we will help prevent suicide."

For more information on the CAF program or spiritual pillar, contact Foley at (605) 385-1598.

(Editor's note: Information in this story was originally released in an article on www.usar.army.mil.)