Quit like a champion Published Nov. 12, 2015 By Senior Airman Harry Brexel 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- As part of Warrior Health Month, the Air Force will observe the Great American Smoke out Event on November 19, 2015 to further help Airmen and families curb the habit. The Air Force discourages the use of all tobacco products. Tobacco use degrades Air Force readiness, health and leads to health care costs. "If the Air Force was a state, we would have the second lowest smoking prevalence in the nation," said Col. (Dr.) John Oh, the chief of health promotion for the U.S. Air Force Medical Support Agency. Despite that fact, Little Rock Air Force Base currently has the highest percentage of reported tobacco users in Air Mobility Command with figures reaching over 25 percent. Multiple resources are available to Team Little Rock members who are trying to quit. "Beneficiaries can contact their on-base provider for tobacco cessation medications and in-person counseling," said Jeffery Vaughn, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron health and wellness flight chief. "The Arkansas Quitline is also available seven days a week, 24 hours a day at 1-800-QUIT-NOW." Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 10 times as many U.S. citizens have died prematurely from cigarette smoking than have died in all the wars fought by the United States during its history. The best way to quit is through combining tobacco cessation medications and counseling. "The average smoker loses 10 years of life compared with nonsmokers, but you can gain back all, or nearly all of these 10 years, if you quit now," said Oh. "We want all our wingmen to live long, healthy, productive lives and tobacco-free living is the cornerstone." Tobacco users ready to quit are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider or installation health promotion program or visit DOD's Quit Tobacco website at www.UCanQuit2.org.