FRG leaders hear message of Spiritual Resiliency, 'Strong Bonds'

By Pfc. Cody Barber, 11th Public Affairs DetachmentOctober 28, 2010

Strong Bonds
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FRG leaders
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 27, 2010) - U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Family Readiness Group leaders attended the third and final Family Forum session Oct. 27 at the 2010 Association of the U.S. Army National Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Representing FORSCOM units nationwide, the 470 FRG leaders heard U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Douglas L. Carver speak about spiritual resiliency and Strong Bonds.

Resiliency was the topic Carver first brought to their attention, explaining that the outcomes of spiritual resilience could range from greater emotional health, happiness, martial stability, social support, less alcohol use and less delinquency.

"We have looked at the impact of spiritual fitness on our Army," said Carver. "It's a positive thing that we need to be focusing on, because when we work in that particular area, it improves our emotional health, well-being and marriages."

All of us crave for about three things in our lives, said Carver. If we don't receive these three things or resources for areas in our lives, we can fall into negative behavior.

"We all have a need for intimacy or for love. We all have a need for purpose and destiny," said Carver. "That's what spiritual resiliency is all about, and that's what we're here to promote."

There are five resources that span across the Army, dealing with spiritual resiliency that can be accessed at Army Knowledge Online (AKO), so that Families and Soldiers can work on their spiritual well-being from home, explained Carver.

"Strong bonds" was another topic addressed by Craver. "Strong bonds" is unit-based and chaplain-led programs designed to strengthen the Family through off-site retreats. Single Soldiers, couples and Families are taught how to build and maintain strong relationships as well as manage military life stressors.

"[Strong bonds] helps to improve the relationships, communicative skills; to take away precious vacation barriers and to improve the intimacy among our Soldiers and their spouses," said Carver.

Strong bonds have also reduced health and risk problems with Families and Soldiers who are susceptible to suicides, said Carver. Failed relationships, personal shame and isolation are three reasons why so many of our Soldiers have taken their lives.

"You are not alone," said Carver. "We are all in this together."