Soldiers of 214th Fires Brigade took part in the brigade's "We Care" Getaway recently at Fort Sill's Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mow-Way.

With an Army that has been at war for over 10 years, the brigade wanted to ensure that the soldiers, especially junior troops, are able to understand the stress that comes along with their service, as well as be able to properly deal with the stressors. The "getaway" originated by the 214th was designed to do just that.

"We created this event as an opportunity for selected soldiers to learn valuable life and military skills through this four-day class schedule," said Col. Timothy Daugherty, 214th Fires Brigade commander.

"This program allows these soldiers the tools necessary to grow emotionally and develop coping skills and mechanisms," Daugherty said. "We decided to take them out here to FOB Mow-Way here on Fort Sill so they can decompress from the stressors of work and home life in this controlled environment with their peers in similar situations and focus on the presentations from various on- and off-post resources."

"I learned a lot of great resources you can use if you have any issues and think this will make me a better leader," said Spc. Devin Berry, a fire direction specialist assigned to the brigade's Headquarters and Headquarters Battery.

People will make mistakes, but always ask yourself "What if?" and try to picture the outcome of the situation; then you will be able to rationally think through the consequences of a situation, said Oklahoma State Trooper Chance Slater, a 15-year veteran with the Highway Patrol, who had a discussion with the soldiers about potential situations that the trooper has seen around Lawton.

Soldiers heard from a a number of speakers, including military police, state troopers and the Judge Advocate General, among others. Some of the classes highlighted awareness on equal opportunity, finances, the job market, re-enlistment opportunities and time management.

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