JR Ovens’ Military Service and Family Challenges
JR Ovens dedicated 20 years to the Army, joining in 1998 and eventually serving with the elite 5th Special Forces Group before closing out his career with the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). With eight deployments—seven of them in combat—he carried away both visible and invisible scars, including PTSD, TBI, sleep apnea, and a shrapnel wound. These challenges left a lasting impact not only on JR but also on his wife, Ashley, and their five children.
When JR retired in 2019, the Ovens family faced new hurdles adjusting to civilian life while caring for JR’s grandmother. “During that time, we became caretakers for my grandmother, moving two households at once and trying to figure out our life after retirement,” Ashley shared, describing a time of intense stress for their family and marriage. This transition was as challenging as JR’s service years, underscoring the unique obstacles military families face when finding stability and connection after service.
The Role of OHF Therapeutic Retreats in Strengthening Families
Ashley first learned about Operation Healing Forces (OHF) and their support of military families from a friend and, though eager to attend a retreat, caregiving duties kept them from participating. In December 2023, after Ashley’s grandmother moved to an assisted living facility, JR and Ashley were finally able to accept OHF’s invitation. “We showed up to the airport and were asked where we were staying, and I did not even know… which is awesome because usually I’m the planner!” Ashley shared, excited to unwind.
The retreat allowed JR and Ashley to bond with other military families, sharing experiences and reconnecting with each other. They also found joy in new experiences, like Ashley’s first snorkeling adventure, where a humorous misunderstanding of marine life left them laughing and exploring together. Through the retreat, JR and Ashley strengthened their relationship, discovering renewed families from OHF and other families who understood their journey, and returning home with a refreshed perspective and a deeper bond.
Support military families like the Ovens family by donating to Operation Healing Forces today.
