For better or worse Published May 3, 2012 By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Military married couples now have the opportunity to strengthen their marriage even more through a program established recently by the base chaplain and other coordinating agencies at Minot Air Force Base. "We were looking for an opportunity to educate our couples, in particular our young couples, in better communication," said Capt. Lea Laffoon, 5th Medical Operations Squadron therapist. "As Integrated Delivery Systems members, we felt that many of our young couples have not learned how to effectively communicate. We wanted a forum that would be entertaining, allow individuals time with their spouses, and provide valuable information." Laffoon said the marriage care seminar has been held for the past two Tuesdays on April 17 and 24 at the Jimmy Doolittle Center. The trial run for the seminar will last for two more weeks, with the third class being held at the JDC and the final class at the Northern Plains Chapel. "So far, we've had 29 couples attend the seminar," said Laffoon. "The class is very interactive, it includes videos and handouts. A great deal of time is spent doing activities together as a couple." The program is especially designed for couples during pre-deployment and re-deployment, as well as for couples that are at risk or particularly stressed. It is focused on traditional marriage vows and is a spiritual, non-religious marriage revitalization retreat. "This class has many tips and techniques that can make a good relationship even stronger," said Laffoon. "There's a lot of time built in to spend listening and responding to your spouse and their needs. At times, we don't have the time to really listen to our spouses and find out what is or isn't working in the relationship - this class helps marriages thrive." For more information on the class or to sign up, contact your unit P.O.C.