Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Clay Carroll, I.G. Brown Training and Education...... read more read more
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MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. — Airmen, spouses, partners, and family members from the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center gathered in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Aug. 14-16 for the center’s first Air National Guard Strong Bonds Resiliency Retreat.
Chaplain Lt. Col. Clay Carroll organized the inaugural retreat, bringing Strong Bonds to the TEC for the first time. Forty participants attended the weekend, which aimed to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build resilience. It also gave participants a chance to step away from their usual routine, connect with peers, and spend time with the people who support them at home.
The retreat was open to married and single Airmen, along with their spouses, partners, and family members. To help participants better understand how they express love, appreciation, and respect, the retreat used the Five Love Languages curriculum. The event also included hands-on activities, team-building exercises, and group discussions designed to improve communication in relationships.
“Our Strong Bonds experience gave us a great opportunity to step away from everyday life, reconnect as a family, and learn together,” said Tech. Sgt. Ethan Richardson, knowledge operations manager at the TEC. “The speakers were knowledgeable and well prepared; we would attend again.”
For Carroll, the weekend provided an opportunity to spend time with TEC members and get to know them outside of work.
“Through the Strong Bonds retreat, I gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the Airmen I work alongside, and those in the different organizations within the TEC,” Carroll said. “Watching them interact with their families and getting to know them in a relaxed setting made that possible.”
Strong Bonds helps Airmen and their families communicate more effectively, handle challenges, and support one another. It is designed to strengthen personal and family resilience so Airmen can meet the demands of military service.
Participants said the retreat was a success, and Carroll plans to offer it annually for TEC staff and their families.
The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center includes three divisions: the Chief Master Sgt. Paul H. Lankford EPME Center, the TEC-University Video Production and Learning Development Division, and the Mission Support Division. Together, they represent all components of the Regular Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, and civil service members, working side by side to develop today’s Airmen for tomorrow’s fight.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2026 12:18 |
| Story ID: | 572838 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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