Couples renew emotion and devotion at Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  During a cherished ceremony among candlelit smiles and hands clasped in union, couples renewed their marriage vows Feb. 22.

The ritual was part of the Airman and Family Readiness center's Actions Speak Louder campaign, aimed at promoting healthy dialogue and habits among those in relationships.

Capt. Tryphena Jenkins, 82nd Training Wing family advocacy officer, was ecstatic about the event and could barely contain her jubilation at the emotion-filled experience.

"It's contagious, it's hard not be excited," she said jovially.
 
Jenkins enjoyed planning the ceremony and seeing the reaction of the couples as they walked hand-in-hand to the altar to recapture a moment of bliss.

"It's beautiful to see couples engaging each other," she said. "This helps them continue to keep the relationship fresh."

While Jenkins finds her career enjoyable, there is no doubt in her mind about the importance of her job when it comes to affecting other couples' lives.

"As fun as it is, I know that it impacts them and makes their relationships stronger," she said.

Staff Sgt. Karriem Oliver, 82nd Training Wing chaplain assistant, who walked down the aisle with his wife, Tech. Sgt. Samantha Ferguson-Oliver, had no qualms about pledging himself again to the woman he loves.

"It feels good," he said. "It felt like a wedding all over again."

Family-grounded and a father of two, Oliver takes on marriage as a people oriented venture in which the individuals within it strive to better each other.

"I love my wife, being with her and the kids," he said. "It's the people that make it what it is."

As the holy sacrament of each couple ended in intimate embrace and the fateful phrase of 'I do', the chapel held a certain sense of promise and sanctity for those within.