Tobacco.org

• Troops raise awareness of efforts to quit smoking  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- More than 600 soldiers participated in a Cold Turkey Trot run held at Bagram, Nov. 20, to raise awareness of the many resources available to people trying to quit tobacco.

"We, in the military, have a lot of people who are addicted to nicotine, both through smoking and smokeless tobacco," said Maj. Heidi Whitescarver, a public health nurse in the Command Joint Surgeon's office for Combined Joint Task Force-101. "This event brings that fact to light. I just wanted to have one day to say, 'Hey, if there's people out there who want to quit, there are people here on BAF (Bagram Air Field) and around Afghanistan that are willing to help them do that."

Whitescarver, an Anchorage, Ala., native, coordinated the run and also created a proclamation that was signed by the commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-101, officially declaring Nov. 20 as the CJTF-101 tobacco-free day. According to Whitescarver, the proclamation also talks about the resources available to help individuals who want to quit tobacco.

The "Great American Smokeout Day" was the perfect opportunity for Whitescarver to express her devotion to the health of soldiers, urging all tobacco users to quit for just one day.

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