TAMUNING -- Tamuning, GU - Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, the Marine Corps’ newest activated installation, continues to demonstrate significant growth in infrastructure, personnel, and even services for its Marines.
On August 4th, 2025, the installation celebrated another operational achievement and opportunity for its Marines – the first Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) marriage enrichment retreat (MER) at Rhiga Royal Guam Resort in Tamuning, Guam. The event ran from August 4-6 in support by Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) CREDO Deputy Director, Chaplain Adam R. Boggess.
Historically, MCIPAC CREDO events have supported service members in mainland Japan, Okinawa, and Hawaii, offering enrichment for individuals, families, and marriages. The addition of MCIPAC CREDO on Guam reflects the growing needs of the Marine Corps community on the island.
“We hope to sustain CREDO events for Marines and active-duty service members on Guam” said Chaplain Boggess. “It’s not just a new location—it’s a new chapter in our mission of strengthening spirits, minds, and relationships across the Indo-Pacific region”.
The retreat opened with seven active-duty couples sharing their goals and intentions for the event.
Emma Saunders, U.S. Coast Guard Lt. USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) commanding officer – expressed her gratitude, “I welcome the chance to spend intentional time with my spouse amid work travel and the day to day demands of my role”.
During the retreat, couples were given the opportunity to explore topics such as communication styles, personality types, and even apology languages to assist in conflict resolution in and out of their relationships. Activities included, Four Lenses personality assessments, love language exercises, and guided group discussions. The partnerships expressed their gratitude, insecurities, and willingness to participate in vulnerable activities.
Cpl. Colin Downey, grounds radio technician, Combat Logistics Company 34, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, participated with his spouse, Brooklyn Bijou, marking their first CREDO MER experience.
“We’re looking forward to quality time together in-between the demanding work and PT schedules,” said Downey.
After the love language assessment and activity, Bijou added, “We’re learning that the way we thought we each liked to communicate or to be shown love was one way, but after talking about it and understanding it more, we’re learning that we have new love languages”.
Apart from the MER, Chaplain Boggess also hosted a Family Enrichment Retreat (FER) that ran from August 7-9. The FER included 6 military families who worked on similar communication and relationship-based activities to strengthen the bond with each other. “CREDO exists because [military] service is demanding, and no one should have to carry the weight alone.” said Chaplain Boggess. “We’re honored to now offer this support to the Marines, Sailors, and families of Guam—and we’re just getting started”.
All CREDO retreats and events are at no cost to eligible service members and their families. Materials, meals, and when applicable, lodging, are provided to create an environment to make a real difference in how you show up—not only as a Marine, but as a whole person.
For the next fiscal year, MCIPAC CREDO already has plans to host a Guam-based Personal Resilience Retreat, FER, and MER. Utilize unit Chaplains and leaders to learn more about upcoming opportunities for the installation.