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Strong Bonds singles retreat offers life skills, relaxation

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Maj.) Thad Todd
  • 161st Air Refueling Wing Chaplain's Office
PHOENIX --  The 161st Air Refueling Wing's chaplain staff hosted the unit's first Strong Bonds Singles Retreat, Aug. 26-28. Within the next year, we plan to offer another singles retreat, and two couples retreats. If you haven't participated in a Strong Bonds event, perhaps those who have can encourage you to sign up?

I asked one of our attendees to share her impression of the weekend. Master Sgt. Gigi Gonzales writes:

"First, I would like to thank the chaplain staff for supporting our Airmen with this single's retreat using the 'Got Your Back' curriculum. The weekend could not have been any better. During the retreat, we engaged in some classroom time for team building and learned more about ourselves and relating others. In the team building sessions, we learned more about our fellow Airmen, and I personally gained knowledge about myself, so I am able to better process information, no matter the situation.

This event was specific to single Airmen; so anything I could learn to do better in my personal life and to better engage in relationships was worth the effort. I was also able to take the tools provided and understand how to apply them to my work environment and my personal life. I can also use what I learned to become a better mother. Overall this experience was a 'win' for everyone involved. Oh yeah, it just so happened to land on my birthday weekend, so what better way to spend it then to spend it with my Copperhead family?

During the sessions I did not feel threatened by any of the material. I was able to talk freely, and those who knew me, knew I like to do so. For those that didn't know me, I'm sure we have now built a relationship that they can feel free to approach me with any issue. 

FYI...The event was completely FREE! The hotel, food and some other amenities were also included for the retreat.  During this event we received door prizes, movie passes, ball games tickets, and instructional material. I would definitely let other members know that they should jump on the next Strong Bonds opportunity."

Thank you, Gigi, for your heartfelt endorsement.  And we especially thank the Arizona USO for supplying our group with D-Backs tickets, movie passes and so many other morale boosters.

Be on the lookout for our next Strong Bonds event. We hope to see you there.