Sheppard Hosts Relationship Resiliency Seminar

Gary Chapman, well renowned speaker and author of the 5 Love Languages, talks with Airmen about how the 5 Love Languages apply within the workplace at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 6, 2016. Chapman spoke four different times to share his knowledge about communicating and adding value to people with permanent party Airmen, Airmen in Training and military couples. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kyle E. Gese)

Published Dec. 7, 2016
By David Finley
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Sheppard hosted a relationship resiliency seminar for Airmen and their families at the base theater Dec. 6, 2016.

Dr. Gary Chapman, relationship counselor and author of “The 5 Love Languages” book series, held four sessions on a variety of topics including: leadership enhancement, single adults, and marriage building.

“I really do believe that life’s greatest meaning is found in relationships,” said Chapman. “The greatest emotional need we have as humans is to feel loved from the significate people in our lives and to feel appreciated by the people we work with.”

The leadership enhancement session taught the basics of how to apply the five languages of appreciation in the workplace.

“The objective is to equip leaders with a tool that has been used successfully in the business world to create a more positive workplace climate, and thus increase productivity,” said Chapman.

Also, the course teaches how to identify the primary language of coworkers and how to motivate them through appreciation.

The session for single adult relationships covered the purpose and pitfalls of dating.

“Now is the time to learn what you should discuss when you are dating,” said Chapman. “This workshop will help you learn how to have a healthy dating relationship and make a wise decision about marriage.”

Airmen and their spouses attended the marriage building session which covered understanding and expressing love and dealing effectively with our failures.

The course is designed to enhance relationships and remove the barriers in communication.

After the event, Sheppard leadership encouraged Airmen to take what they have learned and implement these principles in the workplace.

“Building stronger relationships in the workplace is a great priority on this base,” said Lt. Col. Bill O’Sullivan, wing chaplain assigned to the 82nd Training Wing. “Dr. Chapman has equipped us with some tools that could really make a difference.”