FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
To build a strong family it takes commitment, love, sacrifice and an invested wealth of knowledge. After 43 years of marriage, Regimental Memorial Chapel volunteers Mike and Carole Carkhuff are still together, and are now sharing their wisdom and knowledge to families in need of support.
It all began in 2004 when the Carkhuffs were asked to start a new Sunday school class for couples. After several months it then expanded into an evening marriage study group. Since they have teamed up with volunteers who offer their time and support to help build strong military marriages.
The Marriage and Family Enrichment Program is a nine-month religious program overseen by a chaplain for Soldiers and spouses who have had little or no preparation for marriage or parenting.
"I was on active duty for 28 years, and we watch married couples struggle because they didn't know how to be in the Army, and be married," said Mike.
Creating lasting changes to improve the health of a marriage requires hard work and dedication. In addition to the stress and the everyday challenges of a military life, this program is designed to be an asset to Soldiers and their families, especially before and after deployments.
"We have experienced a lot of couples coming into the Army without being prepared for marriage and parenting, and this study group was created to help equip families with a consistent blue print for marriage and parenting."
With the overwhelming increasing rate of divorces today, the Army continues to provide resources and services to help assist and maintain a strong and healthy family.
The Marriage and Family Enrichment Program is held every Thursday evening at the Regimental Memorial Chapel at 6 p.m. Child care is provided for families who have small children. For more information, contact the Fort Eustis Regimental Memorial Chapel at 878-1304/1316.