Wednesday, Sep. 05, 2012

Ranger Families strengthen marriages at Strong Bonds

Ranger Families from the Regimental Special Troops Battalion and Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment spent Aug. 24-26, in Buford, Ga., learning ways to strengthen their marriages and communicate better with each other.

“This was a great weekend,” Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Moore said. “It was a great location, with plenty to do for the families and the sessions were very informative and helpful.”

During the opening session, the couples played getting to know your neighbor bingo. The six winning couples received gift certificates to several different restaurants.

Over the course of the weekend, Ranger couples shared laughs, especially during the first session with RSTB Chaplain, Capt. Light Shin’s, “Top 10 questions men should never answer.” And the number one question a man should never answer: “Do you think these pants make my rear end look fat?”

The Ranger couples learned multiple tools and techniques to communicate better with their spouses.

“The overarching theme of this weekend was Winning the War of Words,” Shin said. “My hope is that Ranger Families understand the nature of their communication struggles in relationships and apply the practical steps, or even just one practical step to improve their communications.”

The purpose of a Strong Bonds event is to provide Ranger Families with world-class instruction on marriage and family in a relaxed setting.

“It gives them a weekend away to create memories with their families,” said Chaplain (Maj.) Brian Koyn, regimental chaplain. “And it gives them a dedicated time to focus on their most important relationship.”

The speakers for the weekend were Shin and Koyn, as well as Ed Nash, the Military and Family Life consultant for the 75th Ranger Regiment. Topics included “Words do Matter,” “Talk like an Ambassador,” “Marital Combat-How to Fight Fairly” and “Winning the War of Words.”

“This was a great weekend in an awesome location,” said Amy Lertiz whose husband is assigned to RSTB. “And having child care provided, gave us a lot of one on one time.”

The 75th Ranger Regiment has been deployed continuously for more than 10 years and the impact of the deployment and training cycle on the Families can be overwhelming.

“Strong Bonds makes a huge impact on families, first by encouraging them to focus on their relationship,” Koyn said. “It serves to make strong marriages stronger and provides the opportunities for those who are struggling to find the resources and time they need to make some significant changes so they are prepared for life together during war, in peace, and long after they have ended their service.”

Families also had time to enjoy the beach, water park, boating, horseback riding and other activities to relax as a Family and renew their commitment to one another.

The Strong Bonds weekend retreat is designed to strengthen relationships, inspire hope and rekindle marriages — even start the journey of healing for relationships under fire.

According to the Strong Bonds website, over the past year more than 160,000 Soldiers and Family members Armywide have participated in more than 2,600 Strong Bonds events. The program’s success has led to increased funding, expansion Armywide and more training options.

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