Helping soldiers in crisis

Lt. Gen. Dana Pittard, center, addresses a group of soldiers about suicide prevention and risks among troops stationed at Ft. Bliss. During his last three years as commander of the base, Pittard has overhauled treatment of mental health problems, emphasizing the close monitoring of troubled soldiers. “We’re really emphasizing getting help,” he said.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Spc. Leah Johnson, a 26-year-old Army intelligence analyst, has never been in combat but began having suicidal thoughts after the deaths of several people she was close to. After spending some time in a psychiatric ward, she returned to duty. “I kind of felt that nobody knew what I was going through -- nobody would understand,” Johnson said of her emotional low. She is now praised by her chain of command for persevering and remaining in the service.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

U.S. Army Spc. Kyle Boswell, 19, of Maysville, Ky., in his room at Ft. Bliss. Last year, Pvt. John Jeffery stumbled into Boswell’s room after overdosing on prescription medicine. Boswell drove him to the hospital.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

An Army soldier performs a timed fitness test at Ft. Bliss. One of the largest Army installations, Ft. Bliss boasts one of the lowest suicide rates.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Soldiers perform a physical fitness run before dawn at Ft. Bliss.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

A soldier walks on base in the early morning hours, when many of the troops perform personal training exercises.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)