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Seminar strengthens relationships; builds resilience

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Charles
  • 379th Air Expedtionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  More than 150 service members attended a relationship building seminar and information fair at the Blatchford-Preston Mall here Feb. 14.

The seminar, sponsored by the wing chaplain's office was geared toward strengthening family relationships and offering programs for service members and their families to cope with the stresses of being deployed.

"We know it's hard being deployed," said Staff Sgt. Theresa Allen, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing chaplains assistant. "Our goal today was to help our service members strengthen their commitment to their relationships and provide a forum to discuss how to make those relationships stronger."

The seminar began with a free movie showing in the BPC Theater. The movie was described by Chaplain (Col.) Jimmy Browning, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing head chaplain, as having a realistic view of perseverance in the role of being a parent.

"Our deployed service members might not have been able to spend Valentine's Day with their loved ones, but hopefully this movie and the information we are providing offers a more fulfilled experience when they get home, " said Browning.

Immediately following the movie, Browning invited participants to visit an information fair of the various installation helping agencies, which were set up in the main lobby. Organizations such as the Mental Health Clinic and the Airman and Family Readiness Center, were on hand to give information on the programs offered to service members and their families back home.

"I learned a lot about the different organizations that help Airmen on base," said 1st Lt. Pauline Smith, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing protocol officer. "I am looking forward to bettering myself through the many classes offered here and volunteering to help other Airmen."

The chaplain's office also encouraged participants to find ways to strengthen their own relationship through dialogue and understanding. Chaplains and their assistants were also available to those wanting discuss anything about their relationships.

"Our doors are always open," said Allen. "We want our Airmen to know that we are always there to help should they need it."

The seminar is one more step in the Air Force's goal to promote resilience and overall comprehensive Airman fitness. Military senior leaders have encouraged service members throughout military installations worldwide to focus on physical, mental, social, and spiritual fitness.

"With the deployment tempo still at a high, it is important for the us to convey to our Airmen that there are organizations out there to help cope with the stresses," said Allen. "Hopefully this seminar and fair did just that."