Marriage enrichment class provides “bouquet” of knowledge
EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (April 7, 2006) -- Famed lyricist, John Lennon, once wrote, “All you need is love.” For some couples with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, their love for one another brought them together to seek the never ending task of improvement.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4B2A8680DC580C5285257149004F09FA?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Logistics Group
Story Identification #: 200647102319
Story by Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston
Coordinated by the 2nd MLG and II Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain’s offices, a Marriage Enrichment Day was held at the Trinity Retreat Center April 6 to help strengthen marriages and improve relationships, according to Robert Cooper, 2nd MLG deputy group chaplain.
The event, organized by II MEF, set aside dates to encourage couples of respective units to attend and learn ways to further develop their relationship.
“The class is based on a book by William F. Harley called, ‘His Needs, Her Needs,’” Cooper said. “The author has focused on the top ten emotional needs of a couple.”
These needs were broken up into five female needs and five male needs which were touched upon in the class. The seminar discussed how those emotional needs could be met on a daily basis.
“Everything we do is either going to put into a relationship or take away from the relationship,” said Alan M. Hansen, the II MEF deputy force chaplain and instructor of the course. “We always seek to improve the love relationship we have with our spouse.”
The day was originally designed for spouses and servicemembers returning from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom but was open to any military couple interested.
The class was held off-base in a neutral place for both couples as well and run on a first name, no rank basis.
“It’s very important to hold it away from the military setting,” Cooper explained. “It lends itself to couples so they can be relaxed and comfortable with each other.”
The day included many interactive sessions such as listening to music and “alone time” where couples were encouraged to discuss the lessons learned throughout the course.
This course is designed to improve relationships but through this improvement it also helps morale and readiness for the families.
“Family readiness is essential to mission success,” Cooper said. “Good family readiness ensures we are properly equipped for any battle.”
At the end of the session, couples were allowed an hour of personal time where they could walk along the beach to simply enjoy each other’s company.
This Marriage Enrichment Day was one of many planned for Camp Lejeune couples. Projected dates are April 18, May 3, May 23, May 24, June 16, June 20 and June 27, Hansen said.
For more information on the course or to schedule a date contact the II MEF chaplain’s office at 910-451-8533.