A&FRC provides relationship retreat for couples Published Oct. 5, 2009 By Senior Airman Kali L. Gradishar 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- As Airmen, there is one focus - the mission. Yet, there are countless pieces that make up the mission. Airmen constantly hear: Deployments. Do more with less. Priorities. High operations tempo. Redeployment. Reintegration. After seeing servicemembers getting weighed down, the Airman & Family Readiness Center stepped forward to see how they could help. One result was the creation of the Mosel Reintegration Retreat, a getaway for married couples to reintegrate after a deployment. While the getaway is geared toward married couples who recently re-united after a deployment, the retreat is also available for those within six months of a deployment, dual military couples and other active-duty couples. "The multiple deployments folks are going through can have an effect on relationships, and we want to nurture those relationships. We really believe in this," said Janis Wood, A&FRC chief. "It's all about making a good marriage better, great or fabulous ... It's been very successful in the past, so much so that people request for us to hold the retreats more often." The retreat takes couples away from everyday chaos to the Weinhaus Liesertal Hotel-Restaurant in Maring, Germany, for a weekend trip for 30 euro for E-7 and above and 20 euro for E-6 and below per couple. The next retreat is scheduled for Nov. 6-8. The goal of the retreat is to bring the couple closer together in their relationship through workshops, music, dance and entertainment. The workshops include the five love languages, teaming up to handle conflict, romance and finance, color of love and hot topics in love and romance. There are also a number of agencies available to assist, to include representatives from the chapel, mental health, and spouses clubs, as well as others. "We create an environment that's very safe and comforting to decrease people's inhibitions to share. It's such a deep, moving experience," said Beverly Pineiro, A&FRC lead community readiness consultant. "There are so many opportunities for individuals and couples to learn more about themselves and how to better honor each other, and that strengthens a relationship. "From start to finish, there are eye-opening experiences. Where else can you get this kind of education?" Space for 25 couples is allotted for retreats, which are held in March and November. Because there may not be room for everyone wanting to attend, the couples must complete a pre-assessment. "It's first come, first served; but it's prioritized," said Mrs. Wood. The retreat pre-assessment involves a self-assessment questionnaire and a 15-20 minute discussion with an A&FRC community readiness consultant, as well as another online survey about finances, emotions and other areas within a relationship, Mrs. Wood said. There is a post-retreat date night a few months afterward at the readiness center where couples who participated watch a movie, eat dinner and receive pictures from their retreat. "We attended in March and it was great quality time together as a couple. The best part is the 10-second kiss - they say you should share one with your spouse every day," said LaDonna Armstrong, wife of Master Sgt. James Armstrong, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron precision guided munitions chief, who almost requires both hands to count the number of times he's deployed. "We've been married 15 years, but this retreat brings a different aspect to the stuff you might already know. The workshops were beneficial and so was the quality time without the (children)," said the mother of three. "Plus, you can't find any place to go with your spouse for 30 euro for an entire weekend." Registration has already begun, and all pre-assessment information is due no later than Oct. 30. For more information or to make a pre-assessment appointment, call the A&FRC at DSN 452-6422.