Photo By Spc. Jordean Matthews | Single Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division gather...... read more read more
DULUTH, Ga. - How important is it to have a strong bond in a relationship?
Soldiers from 3 rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division attended a Strong Bonds weekend retreat in Duluth Sept. 5 to 7.
Strong Bonds was first introduced in 1977 when the Army recognized the importance of family support, and the Army has since then increased the strength and readiness within families and single Soldiers.
The weekend retreat gave single Soldiers and married couples the opportunity to go back to the basics by learning what to look for when picking a partner and how to communicate effectively with each other respectively.
"Being here this weekend, my values were reinforced," said Pvt. Keina Morris, a soldier assigned to 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID.
"Being a single Soldier you have values that you set out for yourself and that you set out to get from a relationship that you lose sight of."
Single Soldiers studied the relationship attachment model that gives individuals a guide to determine if they are moving too fast or too slow in their relationship and what is appropriate.
Morris, originally from Virginia, said she would recommend Strong Bonds to any single or married soldier, "or anyone who just needs to be reminded of what you should look for in a relationship."
The brigade ministry team hosted daily sessions with topics ranging from relationship attachment to communication skills.
The brigade chaplain, Maj. Loren Hutsell said the single Soldiers section focuses on how to evaluate their relationship with another person.
"We really want to help singles to have the tools to evaluate their relationships- is this a positive relationship? Do they want to take this relationship to a future marriage commitment?" he added.
For married couples the retreat's purpose was to help strengthen their resiliency as a couple, as well as their connection. Although there were daily sessions, the weekend still allowed plenty of time for the singles and couples to spend time outside of classes.
"What makes it so special is that they really give you the time to relax," said Lasaraha Bell, wife of 203rd BSB soldier Sgt. Randy Bell. "It's a time where you and your family actually get together and you can focus on each other. They make it very comfortable for you."
Down time was spent swimming or just relaxing with friends after the morning sessions. Soldiers and their families also got the time to do some shopping at the local mall then catch dinner and a local medieval themed show.
Bell said they have been married for 12 years and are always looking for ways to improve their marriage. "The marriage retreats we find always helps us find new ideas in order to make it to the 13th and 14th year," he said.
Strong Bonds is a chaplain-led program that the army has to strengthen relationship and life skills for couples and singles. It focuses on relationship and futures skills, learning where the soldier is going in life and how to have a positive approach to the future.
The Strong Bonds retreat is held quarterly throughout the brigade.
| Date Taken: | 09.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2014 09:50 |
| Story ID: | 141916 |
| Location: | DULUTH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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