October was a remarkable month for the Warrior Bonfire Program, marked by three incredible retreats—Retreats #206, #207, and #208—that provided life-changing experiences for our Purple Heart recipients.  Mississippi Outdoor Adventures, the Warrior Pheasant Hunt, and the Featherhorn Farm Deer hunt all have in the common the therapeutic healing of the great outdoors. Whether the group is crappie fishing, clay shooting, cowboy action shooting, or hunting, being outside, mission focused with a support community is healing.  Each retreat exemplified the mission of fostering connection, healing, and renewal through outdoor therapy, camaraderie, and the support of dedicated local volunteers.

Retreat #206 brought our veterans to the Ross Barnett Reservoir area in central Mississippi for crappie fishing, clay shooting, cowboy action shooting and oddly, a safari, complete with zebras, ostriches, buffalo, and more! With just the perfect balance of activities and relaxation in a beautiful fall setting the much-needed escape from daily stress was obtained. Local fishing guides, members of the Mississippi Peacemakers and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks,  volunteered their time and expertise, ensuring our group had a rewarding and therapeutic experience. The deeper impact came from the bonds formed over shared successes, stories and laughter.

Retreat #207 situation on the prairie outside of Pierre, South Dakota, at The Ranch Ministries provided the picturesque landscape to set the tone for slowing down and enjoying ranch life.  The annual Warrior Pheasant Hunt enables those confined to wheelchairs or other physical challenges the ability to be out in the fields with little or no effort, by removing barriers of immobility.

Retreat #208 at Featherhorn Farm in Pinewood, South Carolina is a hunters dream and a red carpet experience for Purple Heart Recipients as the appreciation of their service and sacrifice is on full display. This annual retreat offers the opportunity of sitting in quietly in nature usually followed by shouts of joy of the success of the harvest. At the farm, guests want for nothing as all are provided with hunting guides, good food, a powerful Bonfire Flag Retirement Ceremony, and a final celebration with dinner and entertainment to create a grand send-off!

These moments in nature provided opportunities for reflection and teamwork, while the serene surroundings allowed our participants to step away from the demands of everyday life. The time around the bonfire offered an environment where participants could share their experiences with others who truly understand and dinners prepared by local supporters, brought a sense of family and belonging that many veterans miss after their time in service.

The role of the local volunteers and encouragement from the community, through open arm embraces, organized meals and heartfelt hospitality and generosity, remind each veteran that they are not forgotten, which is a cornerstone of the healing process. Thank you to all donors, volunteers and supporters for making these retreats possible.