Here's What They're Saying...

We thought this retreat was awesome! We like how it was planned out, and the only thing we had to worry about was getting in the van!  We liked that all the activities were things that we could do while enjoying each others' company!...not to mention the relaxed atmosphere!  We loved being outdoors, and spending that time together!

We thought that Dr. Sid's words were perfect. He helped us to understand each other better on a completely different level, through his discussions and his homework. We like that it was a relaxed and comfortable environment to learn more about each other, and realize our strong and weak areas and providing us with all the right tools to re-connect!  The time together allowed us to escape the stresses and pressures of everyday life, and strictly enjoy our time together!  From the lodging and activities to the discussions, it was all perfect!

Initially I was skeptical of this program. My previous experience has been that other organizations, who profess to want to serve the veteran, are ultimately interested in serving only themselves. The Core VIP is not what I was expecting. I quickly became convinced that their motives were based in the deep gratitude that they felt for the Veteran.  The programs they developed provided my wife and me the tools necessary to ensure that the challenges of my deployment would strengthen rather than weaken our relationship.

Without hesitation I recommend The Core VIP. I believe that the attitude of gratitude that permeates from The Core VIP helps recently returned Veterans and their families understand that their sacrifice did not go unnoticed. It feels good to be appreciated and the staff at The Core VIP went out of their way to express their heartfelt appreciation for our service.  I have shared my positive experiences with everyone that would listen!

We benefited greatly from walking into a program that had taken the stress and worries out of planning a vacation, and we also welcomed not having to spend a single dime of our own money. Truthfully, in these tough economic times we would not have otherwise been able to take time away from everyday life and focus on our relationship as a couple.

The spa day, hiking, golf, boating and other activities were amazing and made it easy for us to relax. The meals each day were first class, and we commend the many local restaurants who donated them in our behalf. Perhaps even more beneficial were the educational moments each day in which we could sit down as a group with Dr. Sid Young and learn how to better understand and improve our marital relationships. His years of treating patients and serving in the military provided a level of understanding of our needs that is rare to find. We learned things in just a few short days that will help our relationship better flourish for years to come. Through Dr. Sid's instruction we feel that the status quo is no longer acceptable for us in our marriage and that we can achieve a marriage that thrives despite life's challenges.

As a couple we cannot envision a better situation for enhancing our marriage following a deployment. As a leader in the military I cannot think of a better tool to offer soldiers and their spouses. We only wish each soldier, sailor, airman and marine had the opportunity to participate in your program. It would undoubtedly go a long way to improving the lives and marriages of our service members.

Being able to spend time together, without other concerns and responsibilities, has helped us realize the importance of nurturing our relationship on a daily basis. Focusing on ourselves for several days strengthened our marriage and helped us re-evaluate our goals and desires, for us and for our family. Thanks to all who made the retreat possible!

Our experience with The Core VIP was marriage saving. That's not to mean that we were near divorce, but rather it allowed us, immediately after a deployment, to get back to the basics of our own relationship and reintegration so that continued reintegration with the kids and as a family unit was more successful.   It gave us time to communicate and talk about the trials and hardships we both faced during the deployment and how we made it through these times. As we talked we learned more about how each other had grown and changed during the absence. We even used this quality time together to set family goals and establish a way ahead for us and for our family post deployment.

Since our Core VIP experience, we have been able to communicate better using the tools and character understanding we gained from The Core VIP staff and marriage enhancement classes. Because we had the opportunity to solidify our relationship, it has made forging new relationships with our children who have grown and changed, much easier.

My husband recently returned home from his second year long deployment, and other than the initial "honeymoon" phase, our time together since his return has been quite stressful not only with getting reacquainted but with a job search, moving, and financial concerns too. The various activities we got to participate in during the retreat were very valuable, especially in helping us to relax and reconnect as a couple. During those 5 days we were able to focus on each other, leave our daily stressors at home, and really just enjoy being together again. That meant so much to us! The things we learned during the classes also led to greater understanding of the way we (and each other) think and why we do the things we do.  That led to some great discussions which I think strengthened our relationship and our love for one another. We still have some problems, but we are in a better frame of mind to work on those issues, AND we know how, where, and feel comfortable enough to go to get help should we need it.

Attending The Core VIP retreat has given us the optimism of continued progression in our marriage.  Touching on aspects of marriage's fundamental properties we were given tools and information to improve our relationship.  In addition, amazing activities were provided to soothe mind, body and soul.  Having the opportunity to relax, play and learn in a safe and friendly environment with other couples who have also experienced deployments was comforting.  This program is filling a huge need in our area and we are beyond grateful that we were able to attend.