Twitter
Facebook
KMC couples took part in the Ramstein Chapel Couples Retreat March 9 through 11 in Rüdesheim.
The three-day retreat, called “MarriageCare,” was sponsored by the 86th Airlift Wing and designed to help strained military couples strengthen their marriages. The cost of the retreat was subsidized by the Ramstein Tithes and Offering fund.
Chaplain (Capt.) Brad Phillips, from the 86th AW, and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Curtis guided the retreat. Both chaplains were trained at the AF Chaplain school specifically by AF chaplains who are graduates of the Army Family Life program and authors of the MarriageCare program.
“The purpose of MarriageCare is to reconnect couples with one another,” Phillips said. “If the couple is strong and healthy in their connection and relationship, and their marriage is strong, then they can completely focus on their mission.”
Participating couples found the retreat was not only rewarding, but also suitable to their needs.
“For us, I thought it was very nice in the way they presented things in a manner where regardless of where you were coming from, there was a message for everyone,” said Steven Von Neumann, from the Warrior Preparation Center. “I think everybody was thinking about how this information is going to make things better.”
The retreat focused on the significance of traditional American marriage vows. The four sessions were titled “I Take You,” “To Have and to Hold,” “For Better or Worse” and “To Love and Cherish.” Meals, feedback time and optional worship were also available to the couples taking part in the retreat.
“I’m just very thankful there is a program like this, and I think it’s good for any couple, young or old,” Vera Von Neumann said. “It’s a good way to get away and relieve some stress and concentrate on what is important.”
The next MarriageCare retreat is tentatively scheduled for May. Call the 86th AW Chapel at 480-6148 for more information. Registration will open approximately four weeks prior to the retreat.
