Retreat offers single Airmen spiritual resiliency training, guidance

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Hada
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
4/16/2013 --  ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. - Nineteen Airmen traveled to Denver as part of a special retreat designed to build strong friendships and to grow as individuals April 5 to 8.

The retreat, hosted by the 28th Bomb Wing Chapel staff, featured a course in resiliency training along with some recreational activities - including an NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and the Houston Rockets.

Capt. Henry Jenkins, a 28th BW chaplain, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Flavin, a 28th BW chaplain's assistant, led the Airmen through the four-day class, called "Boundaries in Dating."

Jenkins said this retreat was an opportunity to fulfill the chapel's desire to ensure spiritual fitness among the base's Airmen. He added that "the base's single Airmen are a vital part of our Air Force family and this was a way to show our appreciation for them."

Jenkins explained the course covered how to set boundaries and create relationships among friends, particularly in the dating world.

"Healthy relationships are essential when someone is thinking of making a poor choice," Jenkins said "Faith and friends are a synergetic combination that could save a life."

The chaplain added that the group participated in several activities to learn more about themselves. Some of these included personality assessments, budgeting exercises that teach how to make smarter financial choices, and techniques to recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior.

Most of the learning occurred in group discussions where Airmen learned from one another as they explored their pasts and adapted positive "norms" from others, not only in their own personal life, but for their future families as well.

Flavin said his biggest expectation for the Airmen was for them to come back from the trip with no regrets, adding that Airmen who live in the dorms are sometimes hesitant to experience the unknown.

"I knew this would be a great opportunity to get them out, and I expected the 19 members of our trip to interact and make friends, which I believe we successfully accomplished," Flavin said.

After reviewing the critiques of the trip, Flavin said he was able to see what Airmen gained from the experience, namely mental and physical rejuvenation. Flavin predicted the group will return to their workplaces with new energy and a refreshed outlook.

Outside of class, Airmen took the opportunity to see the sights and explore downtown Denver - shopping, relaxing and bonding with new friends from the Ellsworth community.

For more information, or to sign up for the next retreat, contact the 28th BW Chapel office at (605) 385-1598.