At the Bonfire Blog

Connecting Combat Couples

Purpose Through Survival

For many of the veterans we serve, the conversation is about the struggle of identifying their new purpose. They were born to be warriors. They signed up to be warriors. They fought will all their might, were good at their job and could see clearly that their purpose was to protect their brothers, fight against evil and protect their homeland, families, and friends. They fought for freedom, the stars, and the stripes. Now that's all changed and understanding the fact they survived is a fulfilling purpose in itself.      

Sometimes the Smallest Conversations Create the Biggest Impact

Two combat-injured veterans, sitting in a box stand roughly 6 feet by 4 feet, 15 feet off the ground in the middle of a quiet field surrounded by tree lines in the distance. They quietly watch the sunrise and listen to the world of nature wake up around them and they feel the excitement of being alive and enjoying life around them. “You know one time I remember on lookout while in Iraq…” and in a whispering voice the memories are shared.

New Year New Me!

New Year, new me is easier said than done, especially for a combat-wounded veteran. No matter what, we are in this together, linked arm in arm. We are each other's life ring. In order to make and succeed at New Year Resolutions, we sometimes need others guiding the way.

Collateral Goodness From Warrior Bonfire

Stronger Together - Purple Heart Spouses

Those of us that do not live day to day caring for a wounded combat Veteran in our households cannot begin to fathom the level of commitment, endurance, and faith it takes to not bolt. Neither the warrior nor their spouses, families and even post-service injury spouses expected to manage symptoms for 20, 30, 40 plus years. The longevity of the strength required of a veteran caregiver is extremely heavy and lonely. Therefore the need to group them together for support through our Strong Hearts Spouses Retreats is greatly needed.