Family Advocacy helps military couples develop 'Strong Bonds'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Tereyama
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Aviano's Family Advocacy Program offers a three-day "Strong Bonds" class for couples Jan. 16, 23 and 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Building 108 in Area 1.

This class consists of three, three-hour sessions, where a light dinner and free child care are provided. During the course, a small group of couples participate in open, guided discussions and activities, and watch short, topic-related videos. The class is specifically designed for couples where at least one partner is a military member, regardless of marital status.

According to family advocacy officials, the "Strong Bonds" class will challenge people to think about things they may never have thought about before and helps attendees see themselves, their partner and their relationship in a whole new way.

"The class is not therapy or a mental health appointment, it's a communication, marriage-strengthening class," said Keith Baronsky, Family Advocacy organizer. "This is a tried and true program that has been used for many years, and has grown and changed over the years to accommodate today's military and today's generation. You are able to learn more about yourself and the other person in an informal, enjoyable environment."

For some, the group discussions may be a deal breaker, but Baronsky urges anyone interested in improving their relationship to attend.

"You are not expected to talk in front of people if you don't feel comfortable - no one is put on the hot spot," she said. "However, people can bring their own experiences to enrich the program and enjoy it with their partner."

"Strong Bonds" is one of a multitude of classes offered by Family Advocacy geared toward improving family relationships to prevent divorce, abuse and mistreatment. The "Strong Bonds" class covers listening and communication skills, learning to accept differences, the effects of deployment, moving, how to stay close even if you are separated, learning to express anger appropriately and how to balance time.

"Military life is stressful enough and this is a great way to enhance and maintain a marriage," said Virginia Lee, "Strong Bonds" facilitator. "They all talk about how their communication and marriage have improved because of what they have learned. They have become more understanding of the other person. They've been able to work through difficult situations because of the skills they learned during the class and conflicts are no longer caused through misunderstanding. They've learned how to take care of themselves and their marriage."

For more information about the Strong Bonds class and other family programs, contact your local Family Advocacy Office.