Team Eglin hosts long distance relationships class April 18

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Leonhard
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla --  Does absence make the heart grow fonder?

Members of Team Eglin can tackle that eternal question in the 'Keeping Romance Alive in Long Distance Relationships' (LDR) class April 18 from noon-3 p.m., at the Chapel Community Center located in building 605, across from the Airman's Attic.

The purpose of the class is to better equip people for the unique challenges of long-distance relationships by providing successful tools and advice, said Chap. Christopher Reeder, 46th Test Wing Chaplain.
"It's designed to help anyone in any kind of Long Distance Relationship from the young Airman with a sweetheart back home to the family separated by a deployment to even the couple who hooked up on one of the many on-line dating sites," said the LDR founder.
Chaplain Reeder, who was in a long distance relationship for more than 18 months knows first-hand how challenging it can be.

"The class draws significantly from Jen's and my experiences of having a successful long distance relationship that lead to our wedding in July 2008, as well as from Shellie Vandevoorde's book "Separated by Duty, United in Love," he said.
Topics covered during the class include communication, romance, infidelity, finances and children. The class is free of charge and lunch will be provided.

"I frequently, jokingly say Jen and I have mastered art of the long distance relationship," said the chaplain. "If there is a way to do it right I think we found it.

"I believe I have a lot of first-hand experience to offer in this area that may benefit others in the same situation," he said. "I would love to hear some other people's success stories of how they survived and hopefully even thrived in a long-distance relationship."

Co-hosting LDR is the Airman and Family Readiness Center with assistance from a host of base organizations including the Eglin Library.

"The Airman and Family Readiness Center has a lot to offer for families separated by deployments," added Chaplain Reeder. "We want to let people know about all the resources military members and families have at their disposal."

For more information and/or to register people can email Chaplain Reeder at christopher.reeder3@eglin.af.mi.