Courageous Marriage Conference

136 East Warren Street,Gardner KS 66030

30 October, 2021

Description

Strengthen your marriage at this FREE EVENT! Law Enforcement marriages are under attack. Stress, the inherent dangers of the job, shift changes, extra duty, off duty employment, lack of communication, financial issues, missing holidays and special events...the list goes on. It takes strength and courage to protect your marriage relationship. The Courageous Marriage Conference will provide you with life changing information, resources, and tools to help you navigate this thing called marriage! Schedule0830 - 0900 Registration/Networking 0900 - 0915 Welcome (Kevin Hardy, Executive Director, MWCN) 0915 - 1120 Keynote Speakers Justin & Alisa Mohney 1120 - 1130 Break 1130 - 1200 Q&A 1200 - 1300 Lunch 1300 - 1315 Kevin Hardy (Executive Director, MWCN) 1315 - 1520 Keynote Speakers Jay & Vicki Gustafson (LEOW Insight, LLC) 1520 - 1530 Break 1530 - 1600 Q&A , Closing Remarks Guest Speakers Justin & Alisa MohneyThursday March 26th, 2015 at 2144 hours, Justin was preparing to begin his last midnight shift on his current three-month rotation. As an armed domestic disturbance call (with shots fired) was dispatched right before roll call, Justin began to do all he could to get in service more quickly and to be available to assist evening shift officers who were already dispatched and arriving on scene. Shortly after arriving on scene and after just 31 seconds of joining a fellow officer in a bedroom in contact with the shooter, the shooter, just a couple of feet away, brandished and pointed her firearm towards Justin. In a matter of milliseconds, Justin had to make the decision that no LEO ever wants to make, but that every LEO knows is a possibility when they take that oath to serve and protect. Justin had to stop, eliminate the threat in that moment, to save his life and potentially the lives of the fellow officers that were both in and just outside that bedroom. From that moment and turning point critical incident of being an “Officer Involved Shooting Survivor”, a two-year downward spiral of depression, anger, resentment, paranoia, turmoil, disappointment, family and marital crisis, undiagnosed PTSD, and suicidal ideation unleashed havoc on Justin and Alisa’s marriage, family, and their “normal way of life”. After the official PTSD diagnosis and the signs, symptoms, trauma, and triggers were brought to the light, true treatment and true healing began. After concluding mental health treatment, Justin & Alisa re-dedicated their marital vows and marriage to each other and to Christ and began to dig in deep to re-establishing their roots in Jesus. Since 2017, Justin and Alisa have vowed to not let others suffer in silence as they did for two years. Justin & Alisa have also made a vow to be a champion and be on a search and rescue mission for marriages and families, especially those still serving in Law Enforcement. Justin & Alisa want to share their story with others and share the hope and light of the gospel that is still available to all, even in the darkest hours of life, specifically the often hidden and dark lives of those serving in Law Enforcement. Guest Speakers Jay & Vicki GustafsonJay Gustafson has been married for forty-four years to Vicki, the love of his life. He is the father of three grown children and “Grandpa” to five adorable grandchildren. Jay is a retired law enforcement officer and overall served his community and the federal court system for forty-two years. He was a police officer for Arlington Texas Police Department for almost 27 years and retired as a Sergeant. Jay then volunteered his service to the community as a patrol officer for Dalworthington Gardens Police Department. He then served for nearly twelve years as a US Marshal Court Security Officer at the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX Federal Courthouses. Jay now dedicates his time helping Vicki at events where he brings a police-style approach that officers can relate to. Vicki Gustafson is the mother of three grown children and “Grandma” to five adorable grandchildren and wife of Jay Gustafson, retired Sergeant from Arlington Texas Police Department. Vicki’s family and friends are precious to her, and she loves spending time with them. In addition, she is a speaker and advocate for law enforcement officers’ wives. Vicki is the author of His Badge, My Story, Insights for Spouses and Loved Ones of Law Enforcement Officers. She is also the president of LEOW Insight, LLC., and the voice of Insights from the Heart Podcast. Her desire for leading and coaching women eventually guided her to attain certifications as a Christian Life Coach and a Professional Life Coach from the Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy—part of Anew University. Vicki now specializes in helping law enforcement officer’s wives with their life journey and unique challenges. Her insight touches hearts and offers a new and fresh perspective in the world of law enforcement. The Midwest Chaplain Network exists to encourage, strengthen, and support the men and women who serve as First Response Chaplains. Our vision is to become an available resource and ongoing spiritual and emotional support for First Response Chaplains the First Responders they serve in times of crisis and need.