MUSTANG, Okla. - Service members from the 45th Field Artillery Brigade conducted a ruck march to bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention in Mustang, Oklahoma, on May 5, 2024.


Capt. Geoffrey Day, commander of Headquarters Battery, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, said Brigade leaders were inspired to host the ruck march during Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to mental health and the resources available to Guardsmen, Veterans and the local community after recent events in the Mustang area.

“We’re here to support the community,” Day said. “The 45th Field Artillery Brigade wanted to show our support to the community, show our resiliency and bring awareness.”

There were more than 100 participants in attendance at the ruck march, including members from the Mustang Fire Department and local residents.

Participants were taught how to recognize the signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide and ways to help, such as reaching out and checking on the individual and asking them direct questions.


Spc. Celeste Rubio, behavior health specialist for the 45th Field Artillery Brigade and one of the participants for the ruck march, advocated for supporting others through struggles, whether in physical challenges like a ruck march or in mental health battles.

“Suicide is a big issue and coming together as one in the Army is a good way [to highlight how to help], especially doing ruck marches,” said Rubio.

Capt. Courtney Huddleston, the 45th FAB behavioral health officer, said the Department of Defense enacted a policy aimed at reducing the stigma around seeking help for mental health. This is an ongoing effort to modernize the armed forces and maintain readiness by focusing on overall Soldier wellness through the Holistic Health and Wellness Program.

“In the past there were stigmas," Day said. "That’s being washed away with events like this. We have people out here talking about it, telling people what the resources are, how to help, or just to seek help.”

By organizing such events, the aim is to promote open discussions about mental health challenges and encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment, ultimately creating a culture that prioritizes mental health awareness and support within the military community.