Team Eglin hosts new long distance relationships class June 25

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --
Does absence make the heart grow fonder?

Beginning June 25 members of the 53d Wing and Team Eglin are joining together to tackle that eternal question in the 'Keeping Romance Alive in Long Distance Relationships' (LDR) class from 6-8 p.m., building 605, located 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, 53d Wing chaplain.

"LDR is for anyone in any type of long-distance relationship from the young airman with a sweetheart back home to the family separated or about to be separated by a deployment or even the couple who hooked up on e-Harmony," said LDR founder.

Chaplain Reeder, who's been in a long-distance relationship for about 18 months knows first-hand how challenging it can be.

"I jokingly say (my fiancée) and I have mastered the art of the long-distance relationship," said the chaplain. "If there is a way to do it right, I think we've found it."

Topics covered during the class include communication, romance, infidelity, finances and children.

"I believe I have a lot of first-hand experience to offer in this area that may benefit others in the same situation," said Chaplain Reeder. "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. Child care will be provided by AWANA for children ages 3 to 12.

"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."

To sign up or volunteer to help with LDR, call Chaplain Reeder at 882-0851.