I do, I did, I still do

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
  • 28 Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  More than 20 married Ellsworth couples participated in a four-day marriage care retreat from April 18 to 21, in Denver hosted by the 28th Bomb Wing Chapel staff.

The retreat, one of two planned spiritual resiliency events designed to promote resiliency and ensure continued spiritual fitness. Couples were guided through a variety of topics designated to help enhance their relationships with one another.

"Relationships and marriages take work," said Capt. Henry Jenkins, 28th BW chaplain. "Military families make many sacrifices, especially with high-tempo operations and deployments. This is what the retreat is intended for, to help these couples spend time together and strengthen their bonds."

Along with the two-day seminars focusing on marriage care, the couples were treated to a night out to see "The Blue Man Group," and to an elegant dinner at a Denver restaurant where each couple renewed their vows to one another.

"This month marks our nine-year anniversary being married," said Richell Kemper, wife of Maj. Bryan Kemper, 28th Medical Operations Squadron chief of optometry services. "This retreat has been amazing and I've learned quite a lot being here. I highly recommend it to other military couples of all ranks."

Jenkins said more than 59 percent of Air Force members are married and with divorce rates rising, it's retreats like these that help couples to better understand one another and gives them the opportunity to learn how to better communicate with one another, which in turn, strengthens their bond.

Couples were given a few books on topics regarding marriage, respect and love languages to aid in their learning beyond the seminars given at this retreat.

"There is so much I've learned on this retreat, not only about my husband, but about myself too," said Cynthia Byrd, wife of Airman 1st Class Michael Byrd, 28th Communications Squadron cyber systems technician.

"It's been really helpful being with couples, regardless if they are newlyweds or married for years," said Airman Byrd, "I'm so glad my wife and I were given this opportunity to spend a nice weekend together and learn about how to effectively communicate with one another. It's been great."

For more information on future marriage care retreats, contact the 28th BW Chapel office at (605) 385-1598.