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Marriage enrichment seminar fosters happy, healthy relationships

By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura, 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office / Published August 28, 2007

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- More than 90 people from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., attended a free marriage enrichment seminar Aug. 21 to 25 at a local hotel in Great Falls. 

The seminar consisted of five one-day classes focusing on personality differences, communication tips, finance management, and conflict and resolution. People from the chapel office, Airman and Family Readiness Center, mental health, along with help from the first sergeants, coordinated their efforts to put on this event. 

"We decided to do a five-day cycle to accommodate people's schedules with special emphasis on schedules related to missile complex duty," said Chaplain (Capt.) Shawn Bishop. "We also planned the timing of this event to address the upcoming deployments and we wanted to give couples a chance to do something positive for their marriage before they are separated [during deployment]." 

A $5,000 grant from the Air Force Chaplain Service enabled the organizers to hold the event off base at a neutral location where the distractions of work and home could be downplayed, and an additional grant for $2,000 assembled marriage enrichment resources, such as books and DVDs, for couples to borrow from the chapel for marriage enrichment either at home or to use simultaneously while separated during the missile duty in the complex. 

Staff Sgt. Lacie Jo Collins, 341st SW information management NCOIC, attended the seminar with her spouse. She said she would recommend the seminar to others because learning new things helps bring relationships closer together. She also felt it was important for anyone, either those newly engaged or those married 20 years, to build stronger marriages. 

"The briefer from the mental health office was probably my most favorite," Sergeant Collins said. "Her advice was very humbling, but at the same time, helpful. Some of her examples really hit home for me because a lot of times we can't see our flaws until someone points them out. It really helped my husband and me see the little things we do and say, and we learned things we can do to improve our relationship." 

Chaplain Bishop said he was happy about the turnout and was pleased with the dedication of the participants, whether they were married or single, because the tools and tips discussed in the seminar could be used to enhance any relationship. 

"One couple was engaged and this seminar is very relevant for people about to marry, as well as for people who are already married," he said. "Three people came even though their spouse was unable to come. Although they were not able to experience the day together, one of them was able to consider ways to enhance their married life together and bring home some ideas to share with their spouse." 

People who were not able to attend the seminar can contact the chapel and check out reading material and additional marriage enrichment resources for home use. For more information about future chapel events and activities, or to learn more about future marriage enrichment seminars, call the chapel office at 731-3721.

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