Female Airmen build relationships during retreat Published May 19, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing, Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Would you be able to stand up on a chair, close your eyes, fall backward, and trust someone behind you would catch you? That is one of the activities sixteen Air Force females of all ranks participated in during this year's Women's Warrior Retreat, May 15-16, 2015. The retreat motto was: "I am Iron, I will Forge myself." This is the third annual retreat, hosted by the Scott Chapel. "The purpose of the retreat is to provide an opportunity for self-empowerment, teamwork and mentorship to our young enlisted women," said 1st Lt. Danielle Duso, a committee planning member. "They [Airmen E-1 through E-4] are the future leaders of our Air Force and it's our responsibility as current leaders to mentor and guide them in an open, honest, and informal setting where they can be comfortable asking questions or working together." The members participated in several team building exercises. For example, members attempted to get their entire body through a hula hoop suspended three feet above the ground without ringing an attached bell. Other activities included meditation, yoga, nutrition discussion, and mentor discussion. A chaplain was also available 24/7 for consult. Duso said she enjoyed the open discussion sessions the most because it allowed members to share personal challenges, find others to help with those challenges, ask questions in an open forum, and share experiences that may have had the potential to help someone else. "The retreat is what you make it," said Duso. "You can find relaxation, mentorship, a sense of community, learn new skills, or have a safe space for personal reflection, all with a group of women who won't judge or criticize you. At the retreat, you may reach goals you didn't even know you had or thought you could attain, but through learning more about yourself, you'll discover you can accomplish anything."