‘Dagger’ and ‘Roughrider’ Brigades Family Members boost their resilience

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Scott | Michelle DelSarto, left, and Matthew Wilson, family members of the 5th Armored Brigade, take notes during resilience training here, March 10. The sessions are provided on a quarterly basis, each building on the previous training.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

03.10.2011

Courtesy Story

5th Armored Brigade

FORT BLISS, Texas – Forty-one spouses and family members of soldiers of the 5th Armored Brigade, “Dagger” and the 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, “Roughrider” gathered together to jump feet-first into the unknown and begin exploring Family Resilience Training, March 10.

Taught by the 5th Armored Bde. Master Resilience Trainer Sgt. 1st Class David Parish, the training delivered a spouse-specific twist on training that soldiers across the installation are already becoming familiar with.

The training took place at the 5th Armored Brigade headquarters and allowed spouses from the sister brigades to interact with each other, many for the first time. Before attending, the majority of the spouses had not heard of resilience training nor been exposed to skills taught during the MRT program, but all left the training with a new perspective.

“I very much believe in the holistic approach of this program and the fundamental basics believed in obtaining success pre- and post-deployment for not only the soldier but their family as well,” said Tanya Coker, wife of Sgt. Maj. Greg Coker, plans sergeant major, 5th Armored Brigade. “As a result, if these tools are applied by both the soldier and their family, the soldier ultimately will have a stronger … personal and professional life.”

Providing the training to spouses is 5th Armored Brigade’s attempt to strengthen the emotional dimension of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, while also engaging the family dimension of the program. The CSF program is divided into five pillars, or dimensions: physical, emotional, spiritual, family and social. The program is designed to improve all facets of a soldier’s life.

“This program is definitely useable in all aspects of daily life. The techniques taught in the program can be used at work, with friends, and in other every day activities,” said Gwen Shindel, wife of 1st Sgt. David Shindel, first sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Armored Brigade. “It just so happens that the techniques are also invaluable in helping soldiers and spouses to deal with the hardships created by military service.”

Although the one-day resilience training did not expose the spouses to all the program teaches, more sessions will be offered to spouses on a quarterly basis, each building on the previous training.

“I would highly recommend this training. Once individuals know why this training has value to them, they will be eager to take part in the training,” added Shindel.

5th Armored Brigade will provide the training again in June during the brigade’s Quarterly Training Brief.

• Date Taken: 03.10.2011
• Date Posted: 04.21.2011 12:05
• Story ID: 69112
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US