|
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (November 18, 2008) -
Soldiers with the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, deployed to
Iraq, were able to enjoy a break from the day-to-day stresses of
being in a deployed environment while attending a Chaplain's
retreat at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and Kuwait City.
Three retreats were offered to suit Soldiers' various statuses,
one for married Soldiers, one for single Soldiers and the final for
grades E-5 and up.
All of the retreats have the same primary focus of teaching
communication skills, but each retreat is specifically geared
toward the group of Soldiers in attendance.
The first retreat was focused on communication with spouses and
relationship strengthening skills.
"Any time we help Soldiers with tools that strengthen their
relationships, they love that stuff," said Capt. Vincent Garcia,
battalion chaplain, 40th ESB.
The second retreat was for single, junior enlisted Soldiers and
focused on communications with leadership.
And the third and final retreat was for noncommissioned officers
and focused on more effective communication between leaders and
subordinates.
All three retreats put a lot of emphasis on suicide
prevention.
"The goal of the retreat is to give Soldiers valuable lessons to
help them deal with the stresses of being deployed and to give them
a break from the monotony of work," said Garcia, a resident of
Phoenix.
"It just feels good to get away from work for a week," said Pfc.
Quang Nguyen, cable installer, 40th ESB, and a resident of
Houston.
The retreats also taught Soldiers the skills they need to
communicate better with family back home or comrades in their
unit.
"A Soldier who has things going well at home is a better Soldier
here," said Garcia.
"I came to relax and clear my mind," said Spc. Joshua Hammond,
cable installer, 40th ESB.
Hammond went on to say that he recently experienced a death in
his family and the retreat was a good place to start the healing
process.
The retreat included a trip to the Hilton Resort in Kuwait City
on the second day of briefings to give Soldiers a chance to see
some of the city and culture of Kuwait.
Soldiers who chose to attend the retreats were able to gain
knowledge and get some rest and relaxation.
|
