177th Maintenance Group Supports Suicide Awareness Walk

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Andrew Relyea
  • 177th Fighter Wing

Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Cooper, 177th Fighter Wing Maintenance Group (MXG) commander, partnered with George Goldhoff, 177th MXG honorary commander and president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, for the Hard Rock's Out of the Darkness American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Community (AFSP) Walk, at the Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey, Sept. 7, 2024.

The walk benefited the AFSP by raising awareness for suicide and depression, raising money for education and research on suicide prevention and providing safe outlets for survivors.

"At this year’s event, we had more than a dozen 177th MXG maintainers and their family members participate in the walk," said Cooper. "Of note, it was the largest walk in New Jersey.“

Goldhoff became the 177th MXG honorary commander in 2023, providing opportunities for partnered events such as the suicide awareness walk, the Maintenance Professional of the Year Banquet and other events.

Cooper also stated that he looks forward to working with Goldhoff on impactful community events for years to come.

"The 177th MXG truly values the opportunity to support our honorary commander in this event," said Cooper. " We both share a strong belief in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention."