C.O.P.E. retreat

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Giana N. Jaworski
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The chapels from Holloman, Cannon and Kirtland Air Force Bases hosted a Connect Organize Provide Educate C.O.P.E. retreat for military members and their families on July 18-20th in Glorieta, N.M. 

All three bases offered the retreat to military members who have recently returned from deployment or will be deploying in the next AEF and to spouses of currently deployed members. Combined there were 230 military and dependant retreat attendees. 

The members from Team Holloman departed on July 18th and took a bus to Glorieta, N.M. They were given room assignments, lunch and ended the day with a family bonfire and s'mores. 

During the C.O.P.E. retreat the attendees were able to relax and enjoy quality time with their families. 

"My favorite part of the weekend was quiet time in the mountains with my family and no T.V.," said Tech. Sgt. Troy Bizzack, 49th Fighter Wing First Term Airman Center noncommissioned officer in charge. 

The C.O.P.E. retreat activities available for the families included hiking, canoeing, family portraits, horseback riding, miniature golf, fishing and spa treatments. The schedule of events also included relationship-focused seminars. 

"They are designed to help married couples to have a better and stronger relationship. The sessions were led by Chaplain Morey from Kirtland AFB" said Capt. Olga Westfall, 49th Fighter Wing Chaplain. 

The bases gathered over 30 volunteers from several organizations to provide childcare during the seminars, set up events, and offered activities for the kids. 

"I saw an article on the retreat while I was at work and thought how I could get involved," said Ms. Doris Joy, Retreat Children Events Coordinator, Kirtland A.F.B. 

During the seminars and the breaks the kids were able to play games, have their face painted, enjoy a build-a-bear workshop and see a puppet show. 

Thanks to all the volunteers and all three base chapel offices the retreat was deemed a success by those in attendance. 

"It was great that military families were able to connect with each other and develop friendships that will help them be strong in spite of the challenges of deployment and military lifestyle," said Chaplain Westfall.