Strengthening military couples' communication

Couples resilience training

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Staff Sgt. Thurmann Minor, 544th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, and his wife Staff Sgt. Danielle Minor, 21st Medical Support Squadron, climb a wall during a one day resiliency retreat Sept. 11, 2015 at Glen Eyrie Conference Center in downtown Colorado Springs. The retreat was designed to help military-to-military couples focus on their relationship and strengthen communication. (courtesy photo)

Couples resilience training

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Airmen from Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever AFB and the U.S. Air Force Academy work together in a team-building exercise at a couple’s resilience retreat Sept. 11, 2015 at Glen Eyrie Conference Center in downtown Colorado Springs. Peterson Integrated Delivery System designed the one-day retreat to help military couples strengthen their communication by learning about many helping agencies on base, including the Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Health and Wellness Center. (courtesy photo)

Published Sept. 21, 2015
By Beverly Price
Resilience Operations director

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Couples from Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever AFB and the United States Air Force Academy attended a one day resiliency retreat Sept. 11 at Glen Eyrie Conference Center in downtown Colorado Springs.

A trend often seen by on-base helping agencies is the need to strengthen communication between couples. Couples who both serve in the Armed Forces face a unique set of challenges. They may be assigned to different duty stations in the local area, work on opposite shifts or may have limited family time due to mission needs.

To help, the Peterson Integrated Delivery System designed a special one-day resilience retreat intended to help military-to-military couples focus on their relationship and strengthen communication.

Couples were briefed from a variety of helping agencies, such as the Airman & Family Readiness Center and the Health and Wellness Center.

First, Master Sgt. Walt McClung, 21st Force Support Squadron A&FRC noncommissioned officer in charge, presented tools for two resilience skill modules - interpersonal problem-solving and balanced thinking.

Attendees also gained perspective and a better understanding of motivation from Tech. Sgt. Christine Orona, Vosler NCO Academy instructor, who led a personality temperament assessment.

The day concluded with a challenging - both mentally and physically - confidence course. It emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication. The attendees shared many personal stories and laughter.

Each person left the retreat with a better skillset to communicate with their partner.

If you are interested in knowing more about resilience or how the IDS can help you, please contact resilience operations at (719) 556-6768 or email 21sw.caib.ids@us.af.mil