'Wolf Pack' runs Strong Bonds single soldier’s retreat

Photo By Pfc. Brian LaBombard | Participants of the Strong Bonds single soldier retreat were given ample time to enjoy the amenities provided by the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. Soldiers were given meal cards to be used at any of the four restaurants inside the hotel. During their down time, troops had the opportunity to relax at the spa or let loose at a nearby waterpark.  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

03.26.2012

Story by Pfc. Brian LaBombard 

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

FORT HOOD, Texas - Single soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and subordinate units participated in a Strong Bonds weekend retreat at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine, Texas, March 23-25, hosted by the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade.

The retreat is a time for soldiers to learn, relax and get away, said Capt. Mark Lee, chaplain with 4th STB.

The Strong Bonds program began in 1999 as a married couples retreat for soldiers in the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. The program has since expanded its' curriculum to include single soldiers, said Lee. "Everyone always has a wonderful time and the classes provide invaluable additions to the soldiers' lives. Some of the classes are video based and others are focused on group discussion, a lot of this depends on the groups' preference," said Lee.

The Army-wide Strong Bonds program had over 160,000 participants over the last year according to http://www.strongbonds.org. Lee explained that 4th STB has roughly 10 retreats planned for this year and he spoke to formations and posted fliers at company areas to inform soldiers.

"Participation for the married retreats averages 90 participants and the single soldier retreats average 30 soldiers," said Lee. The higher the demand for the program is, the better we can make it, he said.

As soldiers arrived at the hotel on this particular retreat, they were in awe of the massive atrium the hotel is built around. "This is the first time I've been to a resort and I was very impressed,” said Pvt. Lindsay McCracken, a motor transport operator from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade. "It was nice to be able to get away and visit a new area."

The retreat is provided at the best price, which is free, said Lee. Soldiers were given a hotel debit card to purchase meals at any of the four restaurants in the hotel, ranging from Mexican to Italian cuisine.

After checking into their rooms, soldiers attended a brief "meet and greet" in one of the many conference rooms at the hotel's convention center. Lee explained that this is a time for soldiers to relax and learn something valuable about relationships. "We're here to talk about being a single soldier," said Lee. He explained how he only needs everybody’s undivided attention for two times three hours. "The rest of the time is yours," Lee said.

The first day of classes focused on giving soldiers the tools to help form healthy relationships. Lee explained that relationships are like bank accounts, you have to make deposits and be mindful not to overdraft what you put into a relationship. Healthy people don't wait for life to happen to them, they make life happen for themselves, said Lee.

After having the night to enjoy good food and better company, soldiers had the chance to browse a breakfast buffet before attending the final morning of classes. Spc. Douglas Vaught, a financial management technician from 15th Financial Management Support Unit’s C/Detachment, enjoyed the group discussions and said: "I liked chaplain Lee, he gets down to your level and doesn't get all 'holy' on you."

The second day of classes extended the conversation on relationships and ventured into the topic of how not to ‘marry a jerk.’ As the final day drew to an end, soldiers reflected on their experience, providing valuable feedback. “If we could take leave days for this retreat, I would definitely do that. It’s relaxing and amazing to take a step back and get a breather,” said Vaught.

As the charter bus pulled away from the resort, McCracken said, “Hopefully I’ll be able to come back here and visit again.” Lee has plans for new curriculum at future retreats and mentioned that everyone always has a wonderful time during the Strong Bonds Retreats.

• Date Taken: 03.26.2012
• Date Posted: 03.26.2012 16:49
• Story ID: 85809
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US