GARMISCH, Germany- A Female-2-Female social networking event brought single female Soldiers from across the Vicenza Military Community together to the Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch, Germany, April 3-6 to build resiliency and relationships.
"The main purpose for starting the Female-2-Female initiative was to create friendship and mentorship for all the females in the community," said event participant, 2nd Lt. Lauren Johnson. "The program allows them to meet other females so they don't feel isolated and alone, especially as Vicenza could be a new, or a first, duty station."
The Garmisch event was an extension of the monthly F2F events that feature social interaction and keynote speakers on topics of interest and importance to female Soldiers, civilian employees, community members and leaders at all levels. The event was structured on the Strong Bonds model with additional resiliency components.
The three-day program started out with yoga classes taught by providers from the Vicenza Army Wellness Center to awaken the body and mind for the classes ahead. Various Vicenza providers held open floor discussions on resiliency in the Army and personal lives. They also emphasized how to use that resiliency to reduce stress both in the home and at work.
"We learned how to make healthy relationships, how to have mindful interactions with everybody, how to control stress and ways to reduce our own stress," said Johnson.
Attendees enjoyed the classes and planned on sharing what they learned in the classes with other Soldiers.
"It was some good training. We found out more about ourselves," said Sgt. Victoria Wilkes. "It taught us what to look for in a partner and about healthy and unhealthy relationships. It actually was pretty awesome. I would recommend it for fellow Soldiers."
Related Links:
Watch the video version on AFN Vicenza
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