NEW ORLEANS - Guardsmen are trained year round to complete their missions and protect the rights of Americans. Now they are being offered training to protect their cornerstones - marriage and family.
The Louisiana National Guard Reintegration Office's Strong Bonds chaplain and the Office of Family Programs held a marriage enrichment retreat here on Sept. 10-12.
"Strong Bonds gives you a method to recognize and handle conflict, diffuse anxiety and enhance communication in wonderful ways which I have not seen other courses offer," said Lt. Col. Dixey R. Behnken, a Fort Polk, La., chaplain and keynote speaker at the retreat. "You don't have kids, they have you. It's worth it to work on your marriage and let them have something good."
Through discussion and practice, the chaplain-led program teaches couples effective communication skills needed to nurture a lasting love.
"It was great to meet other couples that are experiencing the same things," said Staff Sgt. Brandon R. Orr, 159th Fighter Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He said that he recognized that there were some communication problems in his two year marriage and thought the weekend retreat could help.
"We've learned techniques that will help us talk to each other," said Orr, of New Orleans, La., in reference to communicating with his wife, Staff Sgt. Angela A. Orr, 159th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron. "I learned that it's normal not to have the perfect relationship."
According to the Army Strong Bonds Program website, the weekend retreat is designed to strengthen relationships, inspire hope and rekindle marriages; even start the journey of healing for relationships under fire.
"We'll take any help we can get, especially when it comes to communicating," said Jennifer D. Schexnaildre, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Kurt J. Schexnaildre, 1084th Transportation Company, Combat Sustainment Battalion. The couple lives in Covington, La., have three children and have been married for four years.
"This is just like getting a yearly checkup," said Capt. Matthew S. Eagles, 214th Engineering and Installation Squadron detachment commander. "There is nothing wrong but we could all use some maintenance."
Couples participated in various guided discussions on topics including: communication safety, hidden issues, problem solving, being friends and having fun, forgiveness, supporting each other and commitment. Several chaplains, military life consultants and psychological health professionals were available to monitor the discussions.
"Everyone needs this," said Maj. Orlando Madrid, 204th Theatre Airfield Operations Group chaplain. He and his wife Kimberly live in Alexandria, La., have two young children and have been married for 13 years. "It's a great thing to get a weekend to experience things you've never experienced before."
"All Guardsmen are encouraged to attend the marriage enrichment retreat," said Charles N. Guilbeau, Jr., Reintegration Office family readiness assistant.
Couples were given workbooks, magnets, books and key chains to help them improve upon the skills that they learned.
The retreat ended with the opportunity for couples to renew their commitment to one another and exchange gifts.