SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Fifteen couples attended the “Laugh, Learn, and Love on your spouse” family retreat, hosted by the 50th Space Wing and 310th Space Wing Chaplain’s Office at the Embassy Suites at Stapleton in Denver, Colorado, Aug. 11-13.
Chaplain (Capt.) Portmann Werner, 50 SW chaplain, explained this was the first time using the "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage" curriculum and the first time they provided a Team 360 (50th Space Wing and 310th Space Wing) retreat, with chaplains from both wings leading the event.
“I thought that this was a great retreat,” Werner said. “While we did not have full child care, the parents were very understanding and appreciative of the volunteers who kept the kids entertained.”
Werner explained the attendees participated in various events such as two hours unlimited play at an arcade, a free trip to a movie theatre for a movie of their choice, a visit to a wildlife refuge and a family movie night showing the movie "Inside Out" with some discussion afterwards.
The retreat also included an informational session led by Chaplain (Capt.) Jessica Werner, 310th Space Wing, which discussed how men and women’s brains process information differently, how men and women have different ways of showing affection and personalized data showing each spouse’s goals and attitudes toward life.
“All the couples agreed with everything she said,” added Portmann. “It also helped that the two chaplains happened to be married to each other.”
“We had a wide range of rank, including airmen first class, senior master sergeant, captain, to include civilians and the reservists, and we had two people that had just returned from deployment a week prior,” he said. “They wanted to ensure they would have the tools to help their marriage during their reintegration.”
Capt. Robert Molineros, 50th Space Communications Squadron flight commander, thought the retreat was informative and helpful.
“I thought the family retreat was an outstanding experience to reconnect with my spouse on certain aspects of our relationship that we needed to reaffirm,” he said. “The video that was shared during the sessions was very informative, fun and easy to follow. My spouse and I were able to discuss a few topics out of that video about our relationship with the guidance and mentorship of (the Werners).”
Molineros added the retreat helped him and his family relax and they were able to spend quality time with each other.
“This family retreat was definitely worth our time,” he said.