AF couples renew their vows Published Oct. 7, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. -- The Tyndall Air Force Base Chapel staff hosted a marriage enrichment retreat for Air Force couples Sept. 26 through Sept. 28 at the Bay Point Marriot hotel in Panama City. Forty couples from Tyndall, Hurlburt Field, Eglin and Maxwell Air Force Bases attended the free marriage-care weekend. "The point of the retreat was for couples to get away and renew their relationship," said Chaplain (Capt.) Alan Madera, Headquarters Command chaplain. The retreat targeted recently deployed or soon to deploy Airmen and their spouses, said Chaplain Madera, and is an opportunity for them to grow together. Seminars were based on marriage vows, each focusing on a particular verse. Personnel will continue to deploy because of today's operational environment, said Chaplain (Col.) Wally Vaughn, representing the Chief of Chaplains from Bolling AFB. "The stronger our marriages and families, the more deployed personnel can focus on the mission," he said. The marriage-care reintegration retreat, which included a weekend at Panama City Beach, was an opportunity 20 Tyndall couples did not want to pass up, said Chaplain (Maj.) David Carr, a chaplain from Maxwell AFB Ala. who conducted the retreat. Throughout the weekend, couples enjoyed group meals, four marriage care sessions, time to themselves and a cruise around St. Andrew's Bay. "This retreat has given my husband and I the opportunity to experience open and safe communication," said Trena Smith, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith, who is stationed at Hurlburt Field and is a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy student here. "We were able to discuss things that were important to our self-worth making forgiveness easier to offer, and enjoy each other like we did when we first fell in love." Chaplain Madera said the event was successful, and the chapel staff is hoping to organize the event again next year.