LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The military prepares its members to meet the toughest challenges when called upon for war. But what prepares a military member and their spouse for the challenges they face on the homefront in their marriage?
The 944th Fighter Wing Chapel team took on that mission when they hosted a Couples Enrichment Training event for over 30 944th couples in early December. The event followed the Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage curriculum by Mark Gungor and was customized specifically for military couples.
“One of the key pillars in the Wing’s strategic plan is Family,” said Chaplain (Capt.) David Kreis, 944 FW. “This Pillar includes spouses and significant others in our focus and the retreat provided a way for couples to focus on taking care of each other. This allows members to participate in drill and deploy with tools they need to take care of their family and loved ones.”
“The retreat provided a time to step back and focus on the relationship without distractions around you,” continued Kreis. “It allowed time for couples to bond and to learn how to love each other.”
The couples retreat was open to all wing members and their partners with priority given to those deploying.
“The subtitle for the material is “the relationship seminar for those who hate relationship seminars,” said Kreis. “The curriculum provides fantastic and important information for couples whether they are dating or married.”
Gungor’s presentations provide information on relationships in a funny and practical manner that helps put the audience at ease but still communicates relevant information on relationships.
“The conference was educational and would be of great benefit to any newly married couple,” said TSgt Suley Kashiwagi, 69th Fighter Wing, command support staff NCOIC, who attended with her husband Jacob. “The information contained in the conference can help stave off "bumps" along the road that usually lead to divorce. In the short time since the conference we've already been able to avoid possible "discussions" by using the new knowledge we gained."
The retreat took place at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ.
“The attendees reported 100 percent that they enjoyed the presentation and they felt their relationship was strengthened,” said Kreis. “They all also said they would recommend it to others and would go again.
The 944th Chaplains office hopes to be able to host other marriage enrichment retreats in the near future.