1 Degree of Separation comes to LRAFB – Little Rock Air Force Base

Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) partnered with 1 Degree of Separation on May 1, 2026, to implement a suicide prevention training program aimed at providing life-saving education through the use of uplifting comedy.

The program is designed to provide mental health first aid by utilizing personal and humorous life lessons and stories. This approach is intended to demonstrate how open and honest conversations can create a positive impact on individuals.

The event featured clean comedy sets performed by comedians Mr. Eugene Bassham, Ms. Julie Drake, Mr. Taylor Dunn, and Mr. Cayce Mautino. As part of the outreach, Ms. Julie Drake participated in a question-and-answer panel alongside her co-performers, speaking to an audience of Airmen and their families at the Arkansas base.

U.S. Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hoettels, the commander of the 19th Medical Group, spoke to Airmen and their families regarding the 1 Degree of Separation initiative prior to the comedy event.

According to program descriptions, 1 Degree of Separation has conducted hundreds of training events that combine mental health awareness with comedy and uplifting narratives to support suicide prevention and education.