Being a Bonfire Leader is More Than a Title
WBP Staff Writer Helen Phillips
April 11, 2025
Becoming a Bonfire Leader with the Warrior Bonfire Program is more than a title—it’s a transformative journey of healing, leadership, and service. Our Bonfire Leaders are Purple Heart veterans who have moved from receiving support to guiding others on their paths to recovery. Through our Leadership Development Program and retreats, they gain the tools to foster camaraderie, resilience, and growth among fellow veterans.
The program begins with a comprehensive training retreat focused on personal growth, effective communication, and servant leadership. As one of our recent posts highlighted, the retreat is “all about growth, service, and paying it forward”
Under the mentorship of seasoned Bonfire Leaders, participants engage in workshops and activities designed to enhance their leadership skills. These sessions prepare them to lead future retreats, ensuring they can support and inspire other veterans effectively.
Graduating from the Leadership Development Program is a significant achievement. It signifies a veteran’s readiness to lead, mentor, and make a lasting impact within the Warrior Bonfire community. As we celebrate our newest Bonfire Leaders, we’re reminded of the strength and resilience that define our mission .
Purple Heart Bonfire Leader, Buck Chambers shared, “This is more than a title to me. It’s a responsibility that I accept with joy, hope, and a heart full of gratitude. I’ve laughed, cried, and grown with fellow combat-wounded veterans under the guidance of this organization. It’s where I was reminded that our sacrifices were seen. That they mattered. That there are still people in this country who not only say they care, but show it—through action, compassion, and unwavering support. Now, I get to help carry that torch forward.”
As we, the newest Bonfire Leaders, step into this role, we ask for your support. Whether it’s a donation, sharing our mission, or simply learning more about the Warrior Bonfire Program, your involvement matters.