CONTACT: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581

FOR RELEASE: Saturday, Jul 09, 2011

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (07/08/2011)-- More than 180 New York Army National Guard Soldiers and family members will gather at the the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge July 8-10, to learn about strengthening their bonds to each other as the New York Army National Guard prepares to deploy more than 2,200 Soldiers to Afghanistan in 2012. WHO: More than 180 New York Army National Guard Soldiers, spouses and military kids. WHAT: Members of the media are invited to cover one of the New York Army National Guard’s Strong Bonds retreats. The events are conducted by the chaplaincy to assist Soldiers and their families strengthen their relationships and prepare for deployment overseas and their return home. During the weekend participants are guided by a National Guard chaplain through a workshop that focuses on strengthening relationships, understanding one another more clearly and enhancing communication skills. Costs to the family-lodging, meals, travel and instructional materials are covered by the Army National Guard. WHEN: Media are invited at noon on Saturday, July 9. WHERE: Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, 89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury NY, 12804. Coverage Opportunities: Reporters can interview New York National Guard Soldiers and family members about the program, why they are participating and what they have gained from it. Members of the New York Army National Guard Chaplains Corps who are implementing the program will also be able to discuss it. Reporters interested in covering this event should contact Chaplain (Lt.) Andrew Ayers at (cell) 315-532-2026. BACKGROUND: The Strong Bonds Program: Recognizing the importance of family support, the Army introduced the program Building Strong and Ready Families in 1997. Initially, 90 active-duty couples participated in four events. Over the past year, more than 160,000 Soldiers and Family members have participated in over 2,600 Strong Bonds events. The program’s success has led to increased funding, expansion Army-wide, and more training options. New programs now meet Soldiers at different phases of the relationship cycle. Specific training is offered for the single Soldier, couples, families with children, and all Soldiers and families facing deployment. Strong Bonds is fully-funded and Chaplain-led with the support of the Commanding Officer. Soldiers and their families attend with others in the unit who share the same deployment cycle. During the retreat, Soldiers and families participate in small group activities that reveal common bonds and nurture friendships. This shores up spousal support at home, which can be vitally important while the Soldier is away. In addition, Soldiers and families gain awareness of community resources that can assist with concerns about health and wellness, even crisis intervention. The New York Army National Guard implemented it’s Strong Bonds program two years ago. The Great Escape Lodge event is the sixth Strong Bonds event held this year in locations across the state.