GRAPEVINE, Texas -- The 120th Infantry Brigade sponsored Strong Bonds training for 12 single Division West Soldiers at the Great Wolf Lodge here Feb. 10-12.
The event was set up for Soldiers to participate in various training sessions and also to enjoy a family-oriented area and hotel. Most Soldiers brought their children to participate in the first day's training.
"This was the first time we allowed children along for singles training," said Chap. (Maj.) Maury Millican, 120th IN Bde. chaplain. "It provided an opportunity for parents and children to interact and enjoy each other."
A session called "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" was geared toward enhancing the seven specific steps to make Soldiers more effective and productive in life. The seven habits help Soldiers approach and overcome life issues.
Day one focused on the "Continuum of Maturity," which shows the level of one's growth in values, views and habits in four key areas: survival, stability, success and significance.
"Your life can be a life of significance when you help other people climb out of survival mode," said Millican, after telling a story about never giving up even when others won't support you.
Day two of the Strong Bonds event focused on tackling each step of becoming a highly effective Soldier. Millican, alongside Chap. (Lt. Col.) Paul Andreasen, chaplain of the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, discussed different aspects of the seven habits. They also talked about the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness standards and Soldier life issues.
When the day's training was over, Soldiers and their children were free to enjoy the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge.
During the final day of training, Soldiers learned interactively about the finishing steps of being a highly effective person. At one point, to illustrate "synergize," everyone tied ropes together and pulled them, in a "heave-ho" manner, to show the effectiveness of teamwork and team-building.
"Take the opportunity to attend one of these events," said Sgt. 1st Class Kerry Jones, a chaplain's assistant with the 479th IN Bde., "and, when you get here, keep an open mind to learn and grow on your journey."
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