Base marriage retreat strengthens family ties

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  Thirty two enlisted families traveled to Cascade, Idaho, July 11 through 13 to participate in a chapel-hosted marriage retreat used to prepare couples for an extended separation.

The weekend focused on giving families a chance to spend time together before a deployment with three class sessions focusing on how to strengthen communication and what to expect before, during and after a deployment.

While the chapel began the project, the entire Integrated Delivery System -- comprised of base agencies committed to helping active duty military members and their families, retirees and department of defense civilians -- provided support. These agencies include, but aren't limited to, the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, family advocacy, health and wellness center and the chapel.

Open to all enlisted families, younger couples received precedence during registration.

"Through the 2008 Community Assessment Survey, we found that airmen basic through senior airmen have the toughest time dealing with a deployment as a couple, so they were given a chance to sign up before it was offered to others," said Chap. (Capt.) Steve Barfield, Mountain Home AFB IDS chairman.

Class sessions focused on creating stronger relationships and preparing couples for a healthy separation and homecoming.

"We had a lot of people coming after the first session saying it was great," said Gary Strickland, one of four class instructors along with Capt. Samuel Tobler, Master Sgt. Steven Wright and Laura Clagg. "They were originally dreading the class time, but what they got was different. We wanted people to have a good time and leave excited."

"We didn't want it to be a super weekend experience and classes," said Chaplain Barfield. "We wanted the classes to be a natural part of the weekend."

The local community also provided a lot of support and activities, including a movie viewing with free concessions, a beach party with discounted pricing on watercraft, discounts on golf and lunch on Sunday.

"The community embraced this retreat and were determined to make it a wonderful experience," said Chaplain Barfield. "They were welcoming and went above and beyond what we expected."

Along with the Cascade community, two dozen volunteers went along to keep the weekend running smoothly by providing childcare, class instruction and planning, which began in January when the chapel learned about the Air Combat Command's chaplain fund.

The ACC chaplain fund supplies resources for ACC chaplains to host marriage retreats focusing on pre-deployment or post-deployment issues that may arise in a family setting. The chapel also received funds from the Air Force chaplain fund, which allowed them to only charge a small fee from each family to attend.

During the retreat, couples could focus on their relationships and families without the stressors of work and home life.

"I have two favorite parts of the retreat," said Erica Bunch, wife of Master Sgt. Ron Bunch. "One was watching my husband and children make memories that they can use to help them through the seven months that we will be apart. The second is the useful information we received in the classes. I learned that I have more support out there than I knew of."

The chapel will work toward one retreat a year with a goal of two.

"It's an investment in your marriage," said Mr. Strickland.