Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Diana Anzaldua | Capt. Sean M. Sullivan, Battalion Chaplain, 419th Movement Control Battalion,...... read more read more
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CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Army Soldiers continue to experience the stresses of deployment operations from the battlefields which often result in relational conflict with loved ones they have left behind.
The 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) Family Life Religious Support team recognized the need to reinforce and enhance resiliency throughout the command and implemented the Relationship Enhancement Soldier Training program.
From Oct. 22 – 26, 27 Soldiers based at various locations throughout the 1st TSCs area of operations received the opportunity to participate in the REST program.
“The REST program is the best opportunity a Soldier has at this time to develop the reset and resiliency feelings and frame of mind they need prior to redeploying,” said Lt. Col. Taz W. Randles, chaplain, 1st TSC.
The 1st TSCs REST program is available for both single and married Soldiers. REST affords them the opportunity to look keenly at their relationships and figure if they are benefiting or adding more stress to their lives.
The program is designed to increase morale, encourage marital and relationship integrity, while reducing relational conflict and divorce rates among 1st TSC Soldiers.
“It holds the potential to reignite the emotions that often become deadened by the tempo, receptiveness and relational dulling that deployment brings,” said Randles, who oversees 13 chaplains throughout the 1st TSC and its subordinate units.
The structure of the program has three phases of group centered classes. This method of interaction creates a forum for Soldiers to discuss personal challenges and struggles faced during deployment.
The first phase of the classes explore understanding emotional intelligence and reflecting on positive and negative emotions.
“The tool that I utilized during the emotional intelligence phase was ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey,’” said Capt. Sean M. Sullivan, Battalion Chaplain, 419th Movement Control Battalion, who led the group centered segments of the program. “We broke off into groups, and I had them discuss different destructive behaviors and how we can overcome those every day behaviors that we find ourselves trapped in or falling into with the seven habits.”
According to Sullivan, Covey’s book focuses on a paradigm shift in understanding that there is more than one way to think about things. This enabled participants to see the positive outcome of doing things in a different way.
The ultimate goal of the first lesson was to help participants realize the rewards of investing in themselves and changing their negative thinking into positive thinking.
“This phase identified some of my shortcomings that have hindered my growth and development personally and professionally,” said Pfc. Africa P. Boyd, program participant and administrative clerk, 140th Movement Control Team.
“This is something that I am definitely going to take back with me to open better lines of communication not only with my family, but people that I work with on a daily basis,” Boyd said.
Participants spent the next phase of the class discovering the empowerment of forgiveness.
They divided into groups, viewed a video about understanding and empathy, and discussed different aspects of forgiveness and the empowerment and freedom one feels once forgiveness is achieved.
“My father died in my arms, and I had a flashback that led me to shed a few tears during the forgiveness portion,” said Spc. Stephen Roberts, program participant and supply sergeant, 119th Inland Cargo Supply Company. “I didn’t cry when my father passed, but this class touched me deeply and helped me develop my feelings,” Roberts added.
“I never knew my father; he was a great man, but he was never there,” said Roberts. “It wasn’t until he was sick that I got closer to him and knew what he was going through as a man. I didn’t put myself in his shoes, but I now feel compassion, and I forgive him.”
Participants spent the final phase of classes examining spiritual resiliency and the relationship between their spiritual faith, core beliefs and resiliency.
The program also promoted an understanding of spiritual resiliency and provided an opportunity for Soldiers to strengthen their spiritual fitness.
It assisted participants in prioritizing their lives and how to hold on to the important things in their life and maintain relationships.
“Our core competencies are nurturing the living, caring for the wounded and honoring the fallen,” said Capt. Lonnie Gonzales, Family Life Chaplain, 1st TSC. “That’s what we value. This program is there specifically to nurture the Soldier; this is our opportunity to shine as a Chaplain Corp.”
Participants were given the opportunity to attend a Contemporary Christian Service after learning that spiritual and religious beliefs and practices can be an excellent source of strength and support during times of adversity.
Sullivan echoed the importance of spiritual resiliency.
“The main aspect of spiritual resiliency is hope,” Sullivan said. “If we can find hope in our spiritual lives, whatever we believe in, there is still hope.”
The program allowed participants to get some rest and relaxation, meet new people and enjoy a cultural visit to downtown Doha, Qatar.
Participants learned that enhancing resiliency during a deployment is a challenge in itself; however, the 1st TSCs REST Program is quickly picking up steam and making an impact on Soldiers across the command.
According to Randles, REST demonstrates to Soldiers that their command truly cares about investing in their resiliency.
“In the urgency of Army Reserve and National Guard members to get back to their family and community, and of active duty members to begin post-deployment block leave, there is less intentional planning and preparation required for rest of emotions and the relational skills that are important for post-deployment success,” Randles said.
“REST helps narrow that gap because it is offered while the Soldiers are still in theater and contemplating reunion,” Randles added.
Due to continued success of the program, the 1st TSC FLRS team will be conducting another REST program this December.
“I didn’t know what to expect at the beginning of this program and thought this was going to be a normal Army class,” said Roberts. “This program is an experience of a lifetime; it’s life changing. All aspects of my life were deeply touched.”
| Date Taken: | 10.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 11.16.2015 11:50 |
| Story ID: | 182032 |
| Location: | CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, QA |
| Web Views: | 133 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Building Relationships: 1st TSC Chaplains implement Soldier Resiliency Program, by SFC Diana Anzaldua, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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