Oklahoma National Guard vows to help soldiers save marriage

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ As deployments of Oklahoma National Guard members increase, the guard is stepping up its support of the families of deployed soldiers. <br/><br/>National Guard chaplain Brad Hanna

Sunday, August 21st 2005, 4:42 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ As deployments of Oklahoma National Guard members increase, the guard is stepping up its support of the families of deployed soldiers.

National Guard chaplain Brad Hanna said the guard is sponsoring marriage workshops during weekend retreats across the state. The seminars are based on a program offered by the Oklahoma Marriage Institute.

Divorce rates are rising among Army personnel. Hanna says a strong marriage is more likely to survive a deployment.

Teneshea Jones endured a year away from her family while deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 with the 45th Infantry Brigade. Husband Tim Jones juggled parenting four children with a job and a full courseload at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City.

Teneshea says the seminar helped the couple appreciate each other's experiences during her deployment.