U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Quartrail Tucker, 39th Transportation Battalion, spent the month of September training other Soldiers about suicide prevention in the theater production, “Second Chance.”
Tucker plays the battalion commander of a Soldier making a series of mistakes leading to tough consequences. With resiliency and Army resources such as Army Community Services, Family Advocacy Program, and the chaplain, Tucker and other leaders give the Soldier a second chance.
“I could really identify with all the emotions that the main character was dealing with,” said Tucker.
Tucker has served in the military for 11 years and felt the highs and lows of different obstacles. Like the leading role, he, too, was given a second chance. Tucker says he wouldn’t be where he is today without it.
In 2017, Tucker met Russell Jordan, producer and writer of “Second Chance,” in South Korea directing similar plays. Since then, he wanted to be a part of Jordan’s vision and message and he received that opportunity in Germany.
Jordan says he looks for cast members with an “earnest concern for others” and describes Tucker as a diligent and compassionate Soldier and artist.
“He’s always been a servant leader,” said Jordan.
The transport truck operator took time off for the production to train and educate Soldiers and military communities about suicide prevention throughout Rheinland-Pfalz and Wiesbaden.
“I couldn’t pass up the opportunity because the message was so important,” said Tucker.
One part of that message is reducing the stigma of suicide prevention according to Tucker. “It’s OK to ask for help.”
The Army observes September as Suicide Prevention month to strengthen resilience, enhance connectedness and increase awareness of available resources. “Second Chance” is a unique production where Soldiers train Soldiers about suicide intervention by learning the warning signs and risk factors and to ask, care and escort individuals thinking about suicide to a chaplain, behavioral health professional or safety officer.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, please reach out for help.
The Military Crisis Line is available for calls and texts 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1. In Europe, call 00800 1273 8255.