Photo By Senior Airman Amber Anderson | Lt. Col. Kent Lundy 181st Intelligence Wing Chaplin poses for a portrait at Hulman...... read more read more
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Airmen from the 181st Intelligence Wing have a unique opportunity to participate in a one-on-two confidential relationship tune-up course called The Magic Five, offered either in person or remotely.
The two-session course provides tools to improve romantic relationships, regardless of their stage. The training is based on the research and methodology of Drs. John and Julie Gottman, world-renowned marriage therapists based in Washington state.
Following social shifts in 2020, Lt. Col. Kent Lundy, a wing chaplain with the 181st IW, wanted to place greater focus on relationships. He was inspired after observing the Grissom Air Reserve Base chaplain facilitate group marriage therapy sessions and decided to create his own version tailored to his wing.
Lundy, who has already led weekend marriage retreat sessions, wanted to offer a more accessible and private option for Airmen at all stages of their relationships.
“The Magic Five lessons are meant for all stages of a romantic relationship,” Lundy said. “Whether it’s a new relationship or a long-standing marriage, these lessons can help.”
One senior airman at the 181st IW participated in the course via Zoom with her husband of more than 18 years.
The couple met with Lundy for an initial one-hour session, followed by a second meeting three weeks later. During the first session, they were introduced to five core relationship principles and encouraged to make small daily commitments as homework.
“The second meeting was a chance to reflect on each principle and look ahead as a couple,” the airman said. “The course gave us a better vocabulary for improving our day-to-day interactions.”
Lundy emphasized that couples don’t need to have problems in order to benefit from a relationship tune-up.
“You don’t take your car in for an oil change and get shamed by the mechanic,” he said. “It’s just part of maintaining a vehicle. A relationship is the same—it needs maintenance, too.”
Lt. Col. Jennifer Bailey, the 181st IW’s full-time medical provider, and her husband, Lt. Col. Andrew B. Bailey, commander of the 181st Operations Support Squadron, completed the Magic Five course in person shortly after their marriage.
Bailey said she and her husband were not entirely sure what they were signing up for. However they had worked with Chaplain Lundy on base, had a trusted relationship and were excited to learn something new.
“Even though we were newly married and didn’t have any issues, we were able to get tools for the future,” she said. “It was very beneficial to learn more about communication and building a healthy relationship.”
Bailey added that the sessions felt comfortable and that Lundy never pushed or pressured them.
“I’m very honored for couples to invite me into, let’s face it, a very intimate part of their life,” Lundy said. “For most significant others, I’m a total stranger. So for them to let me in—that’s sacred space, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Strengthening personal relationships is a key part of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, an Air Force-wide initiative to build resilience and improve readiness.
“This program fits perfectly into that mission,” Lundy said. “It’s an ongoing offer that never closes and never expires. As long as I’m the wing chaplain, I’ll continue to offer it because I’ve seen the impact it has on couples.”
To get started, Airmen can reach out to Lt. Col. Kent Lundy or any member of the Chaplain Corps at the 181st IW.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.04.2025 12:13 |
| Story ID: | 491838 |
| Location: | TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ‘The Magic Five’ Course Strengthens Relationships at the 181st IW, by SrA Amber Anderson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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