At the Warrior Bonfire Program, we believe in the transformative power of nature, adventure and camaraderie. Our recent retreat to Rincon, Puerto Rico, brought together a group of Purple Heart recipients for a journey of therapeutic healing set against the breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters, golden sunsets, and lush landscapes.

Our Rincon retreat was more than just a fabulous getaway—it was a step toward healing, growth, and reconnection. For our Purple Heart recipients, these retreats and moments of peace and camaraderie serve as a reminder that they’re not defined by their wounds but by their strength, resilience, and courage.

A bonus for this retreat, in addition to the warm sunny tropical surroundings, was witnessing two of our attendees reunite after 20 years. Raul and Moses served together in Iraq 2004. In that year both were wounded, left Iraq, and received Purple Heart recognition. Their reunion on Bonfire 210 was full of hugs, laughter, tears, and joy along with a step closer to deeper healing from the mental and emotional scars of war.

As the weekend progressed, new memories were created as well as new friends. Through various activities and experiences this small group of Purple Hearts embraced healing through adventure. Each activity in Rincon was chosen with purpose.

Snorkeling allowed participants to immerse themselves in the underwater world, a space of serenity and wonder. Exploring vibrant coral reefs and swimming alongside tropical fish, our veterans discovered a sense of calm and mindfulness, momentarily letting go of life’s stresses to focus solely on the present moment.

Sailing brought the group together on open waters, where the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean mirrored the highs and lows of life. The experience encouraged teamwork and trust, as the veterans worked together to navigate the waves, fostering bonds that can only form through shared effort and mutual reliance.

Cave exploration and waterfalls provided an adventure into the heart of Puerto Rico’s natural wonders, allowing our warriors to climb through caves filled with stalactites and cave art from centuries ago. The darkness of the caves served as a metaphor for the challenges they’d faced, and emerging into the light represented resilience, hope, and new beginnings.

Beach days, swimming holes, rope swings, and waterfalls created a playground for their inner child to come out laugh and play before the days wrapped up with golden sunsets to serve up a moment of reflection and gratitude. Watching the sky transform into a canvas of warm hues reminded us of all of the beauty and renewal that life offers, even after the darkest storms.

For our Purple Heart recipients, these moments in nature aren’t just enjoyable—they’re deeply therapeutic. Studies show that outdoor activities help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of PTSD, and promote mental clarity. Add in the supportive community of fellow veterans who truly understand each other’s journeys, and you have a recipe for profound healing.

At the Warrior Bonfire Program, we’ll continue to create spaces where our veterans can heal, thrive, and rediscover the beauty of life. To all those who support our mission, thank you for helping us make these life-changing retreats possible. Special thanks to our sponsors Catchfire Marketing and Steve Bocher.

Learn more about how you can help us serve and support our Purple Heart recipients by visiting our “Get Involved” and “Other Ways To Give” pages. Together, we can light the way for healing and hope.