MCAS BEAUFORT -- Marine Corps Community Services Family Team Building held a Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Got Married workshop at Afterburners, Feb. 26 and Feb. 28.
The two-day workshop was open to all couples currently engaged, married or in a serious relationship.
“Military marriages are unique and should be protected, respected, cherished and be highly invested,” said Becky Salazar, Marine Corps Community Services LifeSkills trainer. “The Marine Corps gives people the tools needed to be successful in their careers and the LifeSkills Program provides an opportunity to continually build onto that fulfilled marriage.”
Couples in the workshop learned more about their partners by participating in group discussions and various small and large group exercises.
The main topics discussed were on family dynamics. By bringing attention to these dynamics, couples are able to anticipate behaviors that may arise and better relate to each other.
Participants also learned how being a single, first, middle or last-born child can affect traits carried into a relationship.
“While learning about the stages of romance, you begin to see how many people don’t look past having children and see the reality of bills and responsibility,” said Navy Lt. Kevin Brighton, the Marine Aircraft Group 31 aeronautical safety officer and native of Manhattan, Kan.
The workshop was a part of the LifeSkills program offering service members personal and professional growth. To achieve this growth, the workshops cover topics such as parenting, partner communication, financial management and more.
“You can’t stay in the Marine Corps forever and when that day comes, who will you see in that seat beside you?” said Salazar, a native of Beaufort. “Is it going to be empty or will it be your spouse?”
Free childcare was provided at the Child Development Center during the workshop.
For more information on the LifeSkills Program or other classes offered through MCCS, contact Fightertown’s Marine Corps Family Team Building at 228-6141.