Marriage retreat makes a splash

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
GRAPEVINE, Texas --  Inside a circular conference room among the rushing water and laughter of children were Airmen from Sheppard taking a day off to relax and most importantly, strengthen a critical part of their mission readiness. Hot springs and water slides fused into the landscape while the sound of howling wolves echoed across the area.

Military training leaders, first sergeants and other military personnel from base took a weekend off Aug. 16, dedicated toward strengthening ties with their significant others during a marriage retreat at the Texas Great Wolf Lodge.

"There is no greater joy than serving," said Capt. Karl Blancaflor, 82nd Training Wing chaplain, as he addressed those in attendance. "You do what you do for the sake of others."

As the couples chatted among each other, Capt. Shane Moore, 82nd Training Wing chaplain, asked each couple to contemplate what first drew them to one another. Blancaflor recounts what he used to do when he met his wife at seminary.

"I walked 25 feet in the opposite direction just so I could see her," he said.

As Moore poses the question, a perishable, yet delicate silence sweeps the room. Hands gripped one another in fortitude as a show of solidarity amidst the many husbands and wives. One of the topics of the seminar was about how balanced communication was important to a healthy marriage.

"There needs to be an exchange of perspectives," he said. "If you can communicate fairly, you can solve a lot."

For Staff Sgt. Jonathan Wohlford, a 364th Training Squadron military training leader, it was the act of rediscovering his significant other that held a high level of importance. He recalled the moment when he met his wife at a snow festival while he was at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

"It's good to re-emphasize the things you like about one another," he said. "You look at things you normally wouldn't."

As groups of married couples were dismissed during a Saturday session, many took the time to relax in the water park under the gaze of a beaming sun.

"By strengthening our bonds, this helps our entire family," said Master Sgt. Ismael Paez, 82nd Training Wing protocol superintendent.

As Paez hops into the water with his wife, Kathlyn, and his 4-year-old son, Isaac, a smile runs across everyone's faces as they splash water at each other. Paez cherishes moments like these as incentives to be proud of the Air Force and the opportunity it has given him.

"When leaders put things like this on, it makes you want to remain a part of this organization," he said. "It shows they care about us as people."

While the various couples in attendance enjoyed themselves at the water park, there was an overall aim to their time at the resort.

"This weekend I want you to fall in love with your spouse all over again," Blancaflor said, as he challenged every couple in attendance. "I take you; those are the first part of my vows."

As the day ended, there were couples throughout the park having fun, and most importantly working on that which they valued most--each other.