DULUTH, Ga. - How important is it to have a strong bond in a relationship?
Soldiers from 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division attended a Strong Bonds weekend retreat at Sonesta Gwinnett Place in Duluth, Georgia, Sept. 5-7.
As the Army recognizes the importance of family support, Strong Bonds was first introduced in 1977 and has since then increased the strength and readiness within families and later single Soldiers.
The weekend retreat gave single Soldiers and married couples the opportunity to go back to the basics by learning how to communicate effectively with each other and what to look for when picking a partner.
"Being here this weekend my values were reinforced," said Pvt. Keina Morris. "Being a single Soldier you have values that you set out for yourself and that you set out to get from a relationship that you lose sight of, and those were reinforced this weekend."
Single Soldiers studied the relationship attachment model that gives individuals a guide to determine if they are moving too fast or too slow in their relationship and what is appropriate.
Morris a soldier from 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID said she would recommend Strong Bonds to any single or married soldier, "or anyone who just needs to be reminded of what you should look for in a relationship," she added.
The 3ABCT chaplains hosted daily sessions with topics ranging from relationship attachment to communication skills.
The Brigade Chaplain Loren Hutsell said the single Soldiers section focuses on how to evaluate their relationship with that other person.
"We really want to help singles to have the tools to evaluate their relationships, is this a positive relationship, do they want to take this relationship to a future marriage commitment," he added.
For the married couples this retreat's purpose was to help strengthen their resiliency as a couple as well as their connection. Although there are daily sessions, the weekend still allowed plenty of time for the singles and couples to spend time alone and with their families.
"What makes it so special is that they really give you the time to relax," said Lasaraha Bell, wife of 203rd BSB soldier Randy Bell. "It's a time where you and your family actually get together and you can focus on each other. They make it very comfortable for you."
Down time was spent hanging out at the hotel's pool or just relaxing with friends after the morning briefs. Soldiers and their families also got the time to do some shopping at the local mall then catch dinner and a show at Medieval Times.
Mr. Bell said they have been married for 12 years and are always looking for ways to improve their marriage. "The marriage retreats we find always helps us find new ideas in order to make it to the 13th and 14th year," he added.
Strong Bonds is a chaplain-led program that the army has to strengthen relationship and life skills for couples and singles. It focuses on relationship and futures skills, learning where you're going in life and how to have a positive approach to your future.
The Strong Bonds retreat is held quarterly at no charge to the soldier or their families and includes daycare for those bringing children.
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