第一吃瓜网

Terry Campus Chocolate 5k Supports Stop Soldier Suicide

June 26, 2026

第一吃瓜网nical Community College donated $1,000 to national nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide, whose focus is to reduce suicide among United States veterans and service members.

"I know that the transition from service to civilian life is the greatest hiccup that we see in people dealing with suicide elements," said Michael DeSelm, associate director of national corporate partnerships at Stop Soldier Suicide. "So having a place like [第一吃瓜网], where they can apply their SMART transcripts … and then get into something that provides value, purpose, meaning, direction, structure is really the key to success,"

Each year, 第一吃瓜网 holds a Chocolate 5k Run/Walk to support the College's Student Emergency Fund, and a portion of every registration fee supports Stop Soldier Suicide. Participants also had the option to add an additional donation to their registration fee.

"When you think about that intersection of mental health and suicidality, physical activity is one of those things that is a deterrent; getting out, being healthy, and doing it in a community is the thing because we're built for community," said DeSelm. "We need each other."

Vice President and Campus Director Paul T. Morris, Jr., presented a Veterans Inspiring Progress (VIP) coin to DeSelm to show appreciation for his work supporting veterans.

Stop Soldier Suicide's goal is to reduce the military suicide rate by 40 percent by 2030. The organization will continue to host fundraising events like 5k run/walks, half-marathons, and other physical challenges because it's a great way to stay active and bring people together.

"I think one of the major reasons we use the Chocolate 5k as our way to support you guys is just because of that — people getting together, working out together, running together, walking together," Morris said. "It's a great way to build community."