40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion participates in Chaplain's Retreat

Photo By Spc. Alicia Clark | Soldiers with the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, deployed to Iraq, were able to enjoy a break from the day-to-day stresses of being in a deployed environment while attending a chaplain's retreat at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Kuwait City.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

03.17.2009

Story by Pfc. Alicia Clark 

20th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Soldiers with the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, deployed to Iraq, were able to enjoy a break from the day-to-day stresses of being in a deployed environment while attending a chaplain's retreat at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Kuwait City.

Three retreats were offered to suit Soldiers' various statuses, one for married Soldiers, one for single Soldiers and the final for grades E-5 and up.

All of the retreats have the same primary focus of teaching communication skills, but each retreat is specifically geared toward the group of Soldiers in attendance.

The first retreat was focused on communication with spouses and relationship strengthening skills.

"Any time we help Soldiers with tools that strengthen their relationships, they love that stuff," said Capt. Vincent Garcia, battalion chaplain, 40th ESB.

The second retreat was for single, junior enlisted Soldiers and focused on communications with leadership.

And the third and final retreat was for non-commissioned officers and focused on more effective communication between leaders and subordinates.

All three retreats put a lot of emphasis on suicide prevention.

"The goal of the retreat is to give Soldiers valuable lessons to help them deal with the stresses of being deployed and to give them a break from the monotony of work," said Garcia, a resident of Phoenix.

"It just feels good to get away from work for a week," said Pfc. Quang Nguyen and a resident of Houston.

The retreats also taught Soldiers the skills they need to communicate better with family back home or comrades in their unit.

"A Soldier who has things going well at home is a better Soldier here," said Garcia.

"I came to relax and clear my mind," said Spc. Joshua Hammond.

Hammond went on to say that he recently experienced a death in his family and the retreat was a good place to start the healing process.

The retreat included a trip to the Hilton Resort in Kuwait City on the second day of briefings to give Soldiers a chance to see some of the city and culture of Kuwait.

Soldiers who chose to attend the retreats were able to gain knowledge and get some rest and relaxation.

• Date Taken: 03.17.2009
• Date Posted: 03.17.2009 04:17
• Story ID: 31211
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW