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Operation Healing Forces CEO Kerry Irvin Honored as a 2025 BusinessWoman of the Year

US Special Operations Forces leader Kerry Irvin honored in Tampa FL as 2025 BusinessWoman of the Year

Operation Healing Forces (OHF) is proud to celebrate our CEO, Kerry Irvin, who was named one of the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2025 BusinessWoman of the Year honorees. This recognition highlights not only her exceptional leadership, but also the important work being done every day to serve the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) community and their families.

A Night of Celebration and Impact

The award ceremony, held on Friday, March 28, brought together 32 influential women from across the Tampa Bay region—leaders who are shaping industries, uplifting communities, and driving meaningful change. Members of the Operation Healing Forces team and board of directors were honored to join in the celebration, showing their support for Kerry and this milestone.

“This recognition is not just a personal honor—it reflects the incredible work the Operation Healing Forces team does every day and the profound impact our partners have on the lives of those we serve,” said Kerry.

As a Military Charity Organization rooted in purpose and compassion, her recognition shines a light on the collaborative, mission-driven work that powers Operation Healing Forces’ efforts to strengthen, heal, and connect the U.S. Special Operations Forces community and their loved ones.

Tampa: A Hub for Business, Service, and Resilient Leadership

US Special Operations Forces supporters from OHF at Tampa FL BusinessWoman of the Year event

The room was filled with powerful, inspiring women, each making a significant impact in their industries and communities. Hearing their stories and learning about the work they are doing was both motivating and insightful. These trailblazers are shaping the future through innovation, leadership, and dedication—not only in the Tampa Bay area but also beyond. Celebrating their accomplishments highlighted the strength and momentum within the community.

“Tampa is not only a flourishing business hub but also the national headquarters of OHF and USSOCOM—home to the U.S. Special Operations Forces community we proudly serve. This city embodies resilience, leadership, and service—values that unite both our military and business communities,” Kerry shared.

Leading With Purpose in the US Special Operations Forces Community

Through Kerry’s leadership, OHF continues to deliver impactful programming for SOF warriors and their families, including the Therapeutic Retreat Program and the Special Operations Additional Resources (SOAR) Program. These initiatives are designed to help service members and their families heal and thrive beyond the battlefield. Her strategic vision and heart for service are shaping a stronger future for the organization and the community it serves.

Kerry’s recognition as a 2025 BusinessWoman of the Year reflects the strength of her leadership and her dedication to the mission of Operation Healing Forces. For those looking to support the mission of Operation Healing Forces, donations play a key role in providing essential programs and services for SOF warriors and their families. Every contribution helps further the efforts to ensure that those who have given so much receive the support they deserve.

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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]