Tom Reynolds dedicated 20 years to the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC), serving on nine deployments that left him with profound experiences and unseen struggles. After retirement, he married Mary, who quickly embraced the Special Operations Forces (SOF) support program community and began to notice the lingering challenges Tom faced. For years, he turned to alcohol as a way to cope, withdrawing from most activities and staying in the comfort of his home. The arrival of grand-children, however, became a turning point in Tom’s life. He chose to stop drinking and refocus on his priorities. “He is a completely different person now,” Mary shared. With Tom more active and engaged, they embrace a healthier lifestyle and are creating new experiences together.
Special Operations Forces Support Program Provides Healing for Veterans
Seeking to strengthen their bond, the couple attended an Operation Healing Forces Special Operations Forces support program therapeutic couples retreat in San Luis Obispo CA, where they found a renewed sense of understanding and healing. For Tom, it was the first time he openly confronted and shared the struggles he had kept inside for so long. Mary gained deeper insight into the weight of his past and how it had shaped him.
“It was the first time I heard him talk about several things,” Mary remarked. The retreat’s intimate environment, guided by OHF retreat lead Jason Forouhar and Van Curaza from Operation Surf, created a safe space for all four participating couples to connect and share their stories.
Reflections and Gratitude
One of the retreat’s most profound moments was the ‘paddle out’ surfing tradition. Participants held a rock symbolizing the weight they carry, spoke their truths, and released the rock into the ocean.
“I couldn’t talk about it for a week after without crying, because it was that moving, Mary said. “The experience was deeply transformative, both individually and as a couple.”
In reflection, Tom shared his gratitude for the support that OHF provides to Special Operations Forces families. “What makes Operation Healing Forces’ special is their genuine care to help in any facet,” he said. “It’s SOF-centric, which is great for relatability purposes with the other veterans.” He also appreciated OHF’s follow-up email, which included an extensive list of military family resources, ensuring that the support extended far beyond the weeklong experience.
Special Operations Forces Support Program Empowers Families Beyond Service
Through this journey, Tom and Mary have come to understand that the effects of military service don’t end with retirement-they are long-lasting and often shape the journey of a lifetime. Thanks to Operation Healing Forces, they’ve found meaningful tools to navigate these challenges, helping them embrace a new chapter of healing, connection, and growth.
Located in Tampa FL, Operation Healing Forces continues to be a leading military charity organization, transforming the lives of veterans and their families through healing retreats and support programs.
Through therapeutic retreats like the one in San Luis Obispo CA, Operation Healing Forces, headquartered in Tampa FL, continues to be a leading military charity organization, transforming the lives of veterans and their families through healing retreats and support programs across the nation and beyond.
