SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.-- --
The 50th Space Wing Chaplain’s Office held a free marriage retreat for military couples, the first of the year, in Breckenridge, Colorado, June 8 - 10.
“This marriage retreat allowed Airmen and their spouses to get away from their busy schedules and have an opportunity to remember the reason why they are in partnerships,” said 1st Lt. Lauren Hughes, chaplain with the 50th Space Wing. “Being a military spouse is not easy and gaining coping and conflict skills when conflict arises, will enable them to have a more fruitful marriage.”
The retreat featured outdoor activities, communication exercises, conflict resolution methods, hidden issues and personality assessments. Through these tools, couples were encouraged to discover the essentials for creating a healthy marriage.
Master Sgt. Peter Christensen, a reservist operations superintendent with the 7th Space Operations Squadron and event attendee, said the retreat’s activities helped him and his wife gain a broader set of tools for strengthening their marriage.
“This was our first time attending a chaplain retreat and it was fantastic,” he said. “It was all very informative. They gave us ways to better communicate with each other in accordance with our personality types.”
Facilitators from the Center for Relationship Education were also present to guide the Schriever AFB couples during their weekend sessions and activities.
Additionally, couples had the opportunity to enjoy a day of hiking and zip lining during their visit.
Hughes explained the importance for couples to help build on their relationship’s foundation and fix any conflicts that may occur.
“To be able to fly, fight and win, we all need to be emotionally and spiritually healthy,” Hughes said. “If you have tools to grow and equip yourself during difficult times, it allows you to do your job effectively and build stronger bonds with loved ones. Knowing your family is taken care of is one of the biggest priorities.”
Maintaining a healthy relationship is key and ties in with the 50th SW priority of “taking care of Airmen and families always.”
Tech. Sgt. Jacqulyn Rider, noncommissioned officer in charge of chapel operations with the 50th SW, said she enjoys helping Airmen thrive in their relationships and advancing the 50th SW’s priorities, mission and vision.
“At times, it can be difficult to focus on our families,” Rider said. “It takes a good balance to be able to do that. Through the events we host throughout the year, our aim is to focus on strengthening relationships and we love being a part of that.
“Holding retreats like this helps us build relationships with people and they can put a face to a name. If they are having issues, they know they can come to us,” she continued. “We want them to know we are always here for them and they can come to us in their best times and worst times.”
Hughes and Rider encourage Airmen to attend future retreats and other upcoming events with their loved ones.
The next event will be a Blended Family retreat scheduled in July.
For more information about Schriever family support services, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 567-3920, or the 50th SW Chaplain’s Office at 567-3705.