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124th MPAD
ATLANTA, Ga., -- “Soldiers do what they do because of the support of their families,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Russell, state command sergeant major, at the opening of the Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat July 8, 2006. “We appreciate what families do and we couldn’t do it without them.”
The three-day retreat which drew 70 couples and eight single soldiers to the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta, revolved around making families stronger and helping Soldiers to make the transition from warrior to dad or husband.
"’Strong Bonds’ is a Georgia National Guard Chaplaincy Program designed to “help soldiers develop the life skills needed to build strong relationships,” said Col. John Owings, state chaplain. “These ‘Strong Bonds’ will enable Soldiers and those who are significant in their lives to work on problem-solving and relationship skills." The four-part program ends in mid August. Each portion of the “Strong Bonds” program is voluntary and free to Guardsmen and their spouses.
“Whether you are married, dating or working with others,” he added, “everyone needs to be heard and appreciated for their ability to address each other in a healthy and supportive manner. It's all about creating the strong bonds which will support us in our military life.”
Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General, stressed the significance of the retreat, noting that “I saw scores of marriages fall apart during Vietnam.. Even 30 year marriages, all because they could not handle the stress of deployments. This is a very serious business,” Poythress emphasized. “Families are fundamental to the way we live our lives."
Elizabeth Poythress, wife of General Poythress, also urged Soldiers and their families to take seriously the “preciousness of time.” “You have to be open to change,” she said. “Take little steps at a time and advance . . . don’t linger on what you can’t change. Learn and be closer to each other.”
The initial weekend consisted of training to help Soldiers and their spouses learn to communicate. The approach focused on “speaker-listener” – a method in which one person speaks and the other paraphrases in order to develop communication skills as well as the ability to reach a compromise or solution.
There was also a session aimed at teaching single Soldiers how to survive in a relationship.
The last day of the retreat included worship services and a renewal of wedding vows ceremony for the married couples.
The first retreat of this kind was held in Savannah in 2004 with approximately 150 to 200 couples in attendance.
Program Aims to Strengthen Family Bonds
Public Affairs Office
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The final renewal of wedding vows were made, spouses kissed and couples left the final Georgia National Guard Stronger Bonds retreat in Savannah, Ga., August 13, 2006, with tools to help them to better communicate and strengthen their relationships.
The retreat, sponsored by the Guard's Chaplain’s detachment, was aimed at helping families of
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| A couple shares a kiss as they renewed their wedding vows August 13, 2006 at the fourth Stronger Bonds retreat in Savannah, Ga. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic) |
During the weekend retreat married couples learned how to communicate better as well as ways to strengthen their relationship with their spouse and children. The weekend concluded,with a ceremony to renew wedding vows. More than 160 couples took part in all four events.
Single Soldiers learned how to measure what they are looking for in a partner and according to one adviser “how not to marry a jerk.”
The four Strong Bonds retreats, the first two in
“This training is mission critical,” said Lt. Gen. David B. Poythress, Georgia Adjutant General. “Keeping our service members’ families strong is mission essential because if things are not right at home, the Soldiers mind is not on the mission.”
“There are three principle dynamic in a Guardsman’s life,” he continued. “His (or her) spouse, job and the guard and the first two have to be balanced for the third to function as it should.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Russell, state command sergeant major, sounded a similar note. “Families are important because when you reenlist the Soldier, you reenlist the family as well. I encourage you to take this knowledge home and share it with those who can not be here,” he said.
During the opening ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson, 48th Brigade command sergeant major, said he never was able to thank the spouses of his soldiers and had them all stand so he could do just that.
More then 300 couples and 30 single soldiers attended the retreat in
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| The longest married couple and the youngest married couple light the unity candle together during a renewal of wedding vows ceremony during the final Stronger Bonds Retreat August 13, 2006, in Savannah, Ga. (Georgia National Guard photo by Spc. Amanda Luksic) |