Sgt. 1st Class Adam Miracle, senior intelligence sergeant, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and his wife, Cherie Miracle, check in with Sarah Lane for the “Iron Strong Bonds” marriage retreat at Cheyenne Mountain Resort Jan. 28, 2016. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones)
By Staff Sgt. Grady Jones
3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
COLORADO SPRINGS — Military couples and single Soldiers from across 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in “Iron Strong Bonds” events Jan. 28, 2016, to Feb. 2, 2016, at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
Couples participated in a marriage enrichment course Jan. 28-30, 2016, that included a series of classes, designed to target the unique challenges that arise in military marriages, with group discussion and participation.
“We talked about different ways to overcome challenges so that couples can become stronger, stay together and grow,” said Capt. Anthony Keim, chaplain, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ABCT.
A common challenge for military couples is the ability to communicate effectively. The couples learned about the “communication sandwich” technique, a strategy used to express constructive criticism in a way that’s more positive than negative, said Keim.
“It starts by saying something positive, followed by the constructive criticism in a gentle way, and reaffirming something positive,” said Keim. “It teaches couples to approach a problem without attacking each other. It’s about coming to a mutual understanding.”
“Many times, military couples endure similar issues (such as) finding time to spend together,” said Spc. Gabriel Torres, automated logistical specialist, Company G, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.
His wife, Jessica Torres, said, “It’s good to share experiences (with other people in similar situations because) maybe we didn’t have a solution that someone else has.”
The health of military marriages can have an impact on the performance of service members, said Keim. The techniques learned in the Strong Bonds courses have helped more experienced leaders guide junior Soldiers who might be experiencing common marriage challenges.
“These classes have pushed those that have had a lot of experience to be coaches and mentors for younger married couples,” said Keim.
Couples have used techniques learned in past courses to overcome obstacles, said Keim,
“I have had quite a few couples tell me that they used some of the tools learned in this course to give their marriage a second start,” he said.
Jessica Torres said she appreciates the support of the command groups to allow Soldiers and their spouses to attend relationship-building events.
“This was a great course, we recommend it for other military couples,” she said.
Following the marriage event, single Soldiers of the “Iron” Brigade spent Jan. 31, 2016, to Feb. 2, 2016, at the resort participating in events and discussions aimed at targeting common challenges faced by single Soldiers.
Topics included pushing themselves to be better people, accepting life and strengthening relationships, as well as how to implement and balance a budget.
Throughout the three-day event, single Soldiers discussed making plans and effective ways to communicate and build relationships that will set them up for future success.
“It was a great event and there were many life lessons that single
Soldiers can take away from it,” said Sgt. Gregory T. Summers, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd ABCT. “I am grateful for the opportunity the brigade and unit ministry team gave me to attend.”