Scott Chapel hosts off-base retreats for Airmen Published Nov. 20, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jaeda Waffer 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The base chapel hosted overnight retreats for Airmen during Veterans Day weekend. Women gathered at the King's House Retreat Center in Belleville, and men went to the Touch of Nature Environmental Center near Carbondale, Ill. The retreats, for senior airmen and below, were designed to give Airmen an opportunity to come together and meet other Airmen who may be experiencing some of the things they are currently going through. "My peers and I go through the exact same issues every day, and it felt good to be around people who understand me," said Senior Airman Zarrian Kelly, 375th Dental Squadron. The theme for both of the retreats was, "Take one step ... taking charge of your life." Lt. Col. Christine Blice-Baum, 375th Air Mobility Wing chaplain, said, "The message behind the theme was 'a small step will move you forward.' They have the internal resources as well as the external for support for a healthy and happy life." The Airmen who attended the retreats got advice from higher-ranking Airmen, who have been through some of the same experiences. Airman 1st Class Julie Ibraro, 15th Operation Weather Squadron, said, "It made me realize that I could actually relate to higher ranks like master sergeant, and realize they were Airmen just like me. I expanded my social circle with others, whom I otherwise might have never met." At the women's retreat, Airmen experienced a variety of activities including a self-defense workshop, yoga and creating a wellness plan. At the men's retreat, the men built a campfire, worked on outdoor team-building skills, participated in small sessions and worked on a wellness plan. Blice-Baum said the chapel is planning on hosting more events in the future to reach out to Airmen and bring them together. "We encourage other Airmen to get involved," she said. "They might just have a great time and learn something about themselves."