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Therapeutic Retreats

Dedicated time and space for connection, restoration, growth, and healing.

Couples Retreats

Operation Healing Forces offers week-long therapeutic retreats for Special Operations Forces (SOF) couples. These intimate experiences provide a confidential, mentally and physically safe space where couples can connect with peers, heal from the invisible wounds of service, and strengthen their resilience together.

About our Retreats

Caregiver Retreats

In addition to “Creating Bonds that Cure” between SOF couples, OHF understands that those who stand beside our service members also need opportunities to connect and lift each other up.

These individuals have courageously shouldered many burdens, often raising families alone while pursuing their own careers and personal aspirations.

At Operation Healing Forces, our Caregiver Retreats provide much-needed respite for the unsung heroes behind our Special Operations Forces—spouses, life partners, and caregivers. These retreats offer a safe and confidential space for deep renewal and connection. 

By bonding with fellow caregivers who understand the unique challenges and joys of their role, attendees can build lasting friendships and find solace in shared experiences. Through a variety of activities, including yoga, meditation, and nature therapy, caregivers can recharge and return to their daily lives with renewed energy and a strengthened support network.

Our Guiding Principles

reintegration at retreat

Reintegration

OHF helps the SOF wounded couple to reintegrate with each other.

In addition, many veterans and their partners have often discovered an ability to heal from within and reconnect with what’s good in life as they share experiences, information, and interact with other SOF operators and their spouses who have undergone similar difficult circumstances.

Rehabilitation

Many SOF wounded return from the battlefield not only with physical wounds but also with unseen wounds. When a warrior is wounded, it’s not just the service member but also the family who is injured. Too often the family gets caught in a cycle of repeated deployments, hospitals, physical therapy, rehabilitation and unit mission demands to the detriment of the family.

Resiliency

OHF presents a program that saves marriages and boosts resiliency and well being.

The program creates strong, positive memories for the couple to heal wounds, repair relationships, build resiliency, save couples from past trauma, and also strengthen bonds for future continued service in America’s military or as veterans in civilian society.

Global Retreat Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Retreats

How can I apply for a retreat?

Applications can be submitted through the forms found on our website. Each application is reviewed carefully, and participants are selected based on eligibility and need. Please include all required documents to speed the verification process. View the Couples Retreat application form HERE. View the Caregiver Retreat application form HERE.

OHF covers most expenses related to retreat participation, including travel, lodging, meals, and program activities. Participants are typically only responsible for personal items or incidental costs.

OHF's therapeutic couples retreat is open to active-duty or retired SOF service members and their spouse or life-partner. OHF's therapeutic couples retreat is open to the spouse, life-partner, or caregiver of the active-duty or retired SOF service member. At this time, our retreats are designed for adults and do not include accommodations for children.

Yes. Confidentiality is central to OHF’s programs. Participants are encouraged to share openly without fear of judgment, and no information is shared outside the retreat environment without consent. Photos are typically shared with homeowners and may be used in marketing materials with permission.

While retreat participants attend once, ongoing support is offered through our alumni network, virtual programs, and resources. Special circumstances may allow for additional participation.

Retreats combine organic participant lead discussions, wellness activities, and opportunities to connect with their own spouses as well as others who share similar experiences. The goal is to provide space for healing, reconnection, and resilience.

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.

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:

Why Your DAF Gift Matters

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

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

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.

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?

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:

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

Eligibility
Typical Grant Amounts

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

Required Documentation
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]