Photo By Amy Christopherson | Single Soldiers separate into groups to demonstrate a point made during a Strong Bonds...... read more read more
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - While strong relationships help contribute to strong soldiers, Army life can be tough on relationships, both for married couples and single soldiers. Developing strong relationship skills can benefit everyone.
Single soldiers with the 704th Military Intelligence Brigade attended a Strong Bonds retreat Sept. 13-15 in Williamsburg, Va. Nearly 20 soldiers attended the retreat, which was both educational and recreational. The program is led by the chaplain and focuses on creating and maintaining healthy relationships.
“The purpose of the Strong Bonds program for single soldiers is to teach them to identify what types of things to look for in a partner,” said Maj. Damon Onellion, the 704th MI Bde. chaplain and a Baton Rouge, La. native. “It helps them identify what type of person to look for, and how to attract that person.”
Soldiers attended about four hours of classes each day, then were free to spend the rest of the time visiting area attractions, such as Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg.
Sgt. Chad Morphus, a signals collector/analyst with Alpha Company, 742nd MI Bn., and a Tyler, Texas native, said the class was eye-opening in some ways.
“I never realized how much our family life influences our relationships as adults,” he said.
Though it was the second Strong Bonds retreat he has attended during his Army career, he said the ideas presented just clicked for him this time.
While this retreat was geared toward single soldiers, the brigade also offers retreats for married couples. The events are usually held quarterly.
Onellion said he wants to help steer soldiers in the right direction, because spending too much time in the now can jeopardize their future.
“I hope soldiers will see that looking for a quality relationship will pay bigger dividends in the long term,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 09.14.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2012 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 94969 |
| Location: | WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 210 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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