Fort Bragg sergeant pitching suicide prevention tactics that could be taught across the corps

Fort Bragg Sgt. Meese Brockman is turning a family tragedy into an idea to prevent military suicides, and on Tuesday she'll pitch her plan to a group of eight panelists as part of the post's Dragon's Lair challenge.

The Dragon Innovation Challenge, which launched Aug. 19, 2020, encourages soldiers from across the corps to submit solutions to inefficiencies regarding any aspect of land, ranges, and training areas.

Dragon's Lair is modeled on the TV show "Shark Tank." Brockman is one of five who will pitch ideas about suicide prevention.

“I have been affected personally by suicide. My father committed suicide seven months ago this fall. What isn’t talked about that much is how it impacts survivors,” she said.

“Suicide prevention is critical to help those who find themselves in a vulnerable position, as well as to educate others in identifying signs of suicidal ideation,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Noggle, public affairs sergeant major for the XVIII Airborne Corps. “What this episode of Dragon’s Lair does is give soldiers an opportunity to share their ideas to improve the program, which may possibly aid in saving someone’s life.”

"If you're hurting, please reach out to somebody," Brockman said. "If you can't do it for yourself, do it for those you leave behind."

The panelists, composed of civilian and Army experts, will select one solider's plan to be implemented across all units and installations that comprise the corps, including 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, 20th Engineer Brigade, 16th Military Police Brigade, and 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command. The winner will be announced Tuesday.

Brockman has wanted to join the Army ever since seeing the tragic events of Sept. 11. She was very young, but it launched a spirit of patriotism and a will to serve in her.

"I called a recruiter right after the attacks and was like 'Hey, I know I'm 12, but will you still take me?'" she said. "There was definitely a lot of patriotism from an early age."

Stop Soldier Suicide: Raleigh non-profit works to save veterans