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The New Playbook: A Night of Impact and Inspiration in Naples, FL

The New Playbook, Operation Healing Forces event benefitting their vital programs for the SOF community

The New Playbook– An Exclusive Sports Forum

Operation Healing Forces Benefit Dinner and Forum brought together a dedicated community to support wounded Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members and their families. Through the generosity of sponsors, Fund-a-Need paddle raisers, and matching gift donors, the event raised an astounding $1.5 million, ensuring continued support for those who have sacrificed so much.

The evening featured an exclusive sports panel moderated by PGA Champion and NBC/Golf Channel Analyst Peter Jacobsen. Esteemed panelists Gary Danielson (CBS Sports), Carla Williams (University of Virginia Athletic Director), and Tony Bennett (renowned basketball coach) led an engaging discussion on the future of NCAA sports, the impact of NIL policies, and the transfer portal.

A Story of Resilience and Hope

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from Sergeant First Class Brant and Tanya Ireland, OHF Alumni guests whose journey reflects the mission at the heart of Operation Healing Forces. Brant, a combat-wounded Green Beret who lost his leg due to service-related injuries, shared how attending an OHF Therapeutic Couples Retreat saved their marriage at a time when the challenges of war had pushed them to the brink. As they prepare to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, their story stands as a testament to the lasting impact of these programs.

“Stories like Brant and Tanya’s are why OHF exists,” said Kerry Irvin, CEO of Operation Healing Forces. “This event was not just about raising funds—it was about raising hope and fostering healing, ensuring these warriors and their families who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our nation receive the support they deserve.”

A Shared Commitment to Those Who Serve

“As a longtime advocate for our military families, I am incredibly proud of what we achieved at this event,” said Robert McBride, OHF Executive Board Member. “The generosity in the room was overwhelming and a testament to our shared commitment to those who serve.”

OHF extends its deepest gratitude to all who attended and contributed to making The New Playbook a tremendous success. Special thanks to our event sponsors, Markel and Ryan Specialty, whose support ensures that OHF can continue empowering SOF warriors and their loved ones.

Join Us in Making a Difference

While The New Playbook was a milestone event, the mission continues. Every contribution fuels life-changing programs for SOF service members and their families—helping them navigate the challenges of post-service life and find renewed purpose.

Be part of the impact—donate today.

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upcoming
events

SOF WEEK 2025

May 5-8, 2025

GAME CHANGERS

May 5-8, 2025

Give By Check

If you’d prefer to mail a check, please make payable to: Operation Healing Forces Mail to: Operation Healing Forces 5100 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 100, Tampa, FL 33609 Please be sure to include a return address and your e-mail, so we can send a note of thanks, add you to our Newsletter distribution list, and let you know our tax identification number for cash contributions are tax deductible.

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Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Giving

Supporting Operation Healing Forces through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to make a lasting difference in the lives of wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces and their families.
Your DAF contribution directly fuels our therapeutic couples retreats, caregiver retreats, and Immediate Needs Program, helping families find healing, stability, and renewed strength together.
How to Give Through Your DAF
You can recommend a grant to Operation Healing Forces through your donor-advised fund by providing your fund administrator with the following information:

Legal Name: Operation Healing Forces
EIN: 45-5348052
Mailing Address: 5100 W Kennedy Blvd, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33609
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (813) 480-6078

Please specify if your grant is unrestricted or if you’d like it directed to a particular program such as our retreats, caregiver support, or immediate needs program.

Quick Links to Popular DAF Providers
If your fund is held with one of these major sponsors, you can recommend a gift directly online:

Fidelity Charitable 
Schwab Charitable 
BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund

Find your local community foundation here: https://cof.org/page/community-foundation-locator

Why Your DAF Gift Matters

When you give through your donor-advised fund, you:

  • Simplify your charitable giving while making a powerful impact
  • Provide immediate and ongoing support for Special Operations families in need
  • Ensure that 100% of your gift goes directly to programs, thanks to our Board of Directors’ commitment to covering all administrative and fundraising expenses
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Mutually Beneficial

Aside from helping support a worthy cause, stock donations can maximize the value of a gift to both the charitable recipient and the donor. Compared with selling appreciated securities and donating the after-tax net proceeds, a direct gift of stock has the potential to increase the net proceeds to the charity and maximize a donor's tax deduction.

When donating appreciated securities (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) with long-term holding periods of one year or more, the amount of the donor's tax deduction is equal to the average value of the high and low price of the securities on the date of the gift. You may generally deduct up to 30% of your Adjusted Gross Income for contributions of appreciated securities held more than one year.

Donating stock to charity is as easy as calling your financial advisor and providing transfer instructions with the following information.

Federal Tax ID #45-3798803
Stock Donation Instructions:
DTC # 0443
Pershing LLC
FFC: Davenport & Company LLC
A/C Name: Operation Healing Forces
A/C #: DA4004713
Reference: Donor Name

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A Home for Healing:

Operation Healing Forces offers transformative therapeutic retreats for SOF couples and caregivers, where meaningful connections are made in homes that provide the perfect setting for creating bonds that cure. A powerful way to give back to those who have sacrificed so much is by donating your home or offering your space to support these life-changing experiences.

OUR NEED:

5-bedroom, 5-bathroom homes at destination locales throughout North America and Worldwide.

TIMING:

Retreats take place over 5 days. We have needs for retreat locations in 2026 and beyond.

LEARN MORE:

Contact Kerry Irvin at [email protected] to learn more about opening your home to our nation's Special Operators and their spouses.

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Why include Operation Healing Forces in your legacy?

Special Operations Forces represent just 3% of America's military, yet they stand as our nation’s Tip of the Spear—shouldering the most demanding missions and greatest sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Honor their service and strength by securing the future well-being of SOF service members, veterans, and their families through a lasting estate gift.

"Operation Healing Forces began in 2011 to aid America’s most elite warriors, Special Operations Forces and their families. This organization has now become my legacy."

Gary L. Markel, OHF Founder and Chairman

"The sacrifices that these young men and women make in terms of death, in terms of suicide, in terms of stress on the family, is unbelievable. This is one of the most compelling initiatives that I have ever been involved in."

Tony Markel, Vice-Chairman

"We want to make sure that our donations are helping the people we want to help, instead of funding administrative expenses. Operation Healing Forces has an amazing model really takes its mission to heart."

Keith Leclerc, OHF Board Member and President Of International Diamond Center

"Operation Healing Forces is one of the few charities I’m aware of where all of the administrative costs are funded by the founders. That’s phenomenal."

Bob Mizell, OHF Board Member And President Of International Diamond Center
Considering leaving part of your estate to OHF?
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Transition Grant Program

Helping SOF Families Prepare for What’s Next

Operation Healing Forces offers Transition Grants to support the unique needs of Special Operations Forces (SOF) members and their families as they shift from military to civilian life. Whether it's job training, certification, relocation, or tools needed for a new career, this grant helps ease the financial burden of transition.

What the Grant Supports

Transition Grants are designed to fund:

  • Job certifications or training programs
  • Tools, equipment, or uniforms required for civilian employment
  • Spouse education or training tied to the family’s transition
  • Relocation expenses for confirmed job opportunities

Please note: This grant does not cover medical or mental health expenses. For wellness-related needs, visit our Immediate Needs Program.

Eligibility
  • SOF members who are separating or retiring from active duty
  • Family members, if the request supports the household’s overall transition
  • Applicants must provide separation or retirement orders and documentation to support the request
Typical Grant Amounts

Awards generally range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the request and provided documentation.

Required Documentation
  • DD214 or official separation/retirement orders (if applicable)
  • Invoice, quote, or estimate for the requested item or service
  • A clear explanation of how the request supports your transition
Examples of Strong Explanations

“This certification will help me meet job qualifications in cybersecurity and increase my competitiveness for employment after service.”

“These tools are required for me to start work as a mechanic and are not provided by the employer.”

“My spouse’s medical billing course will enable her to work remotely and provide income during my shift from military to civilian life.”

“Relocating for a confirmed job offer ensures I can begin work immediately after separation.”

Timeline

Most requests are reviewed within 7–10 business days.

Need Help?

Contact:
Phillip Fong
SOAR Program Manager
[email protected]