"Through our mission, we are determined to bring the number of veteran suicides down to zero," says President & CEO Operation Warrior Resolution Kendra Simpkins. "The retreat includes individualized Rapid Resolution Therapy which targets and alleviates trauma, then we introduce veterans to a lifestyle of health and wellness that's sustainable through various workshops—yoga on the bay, equine therapy with horses at InStride Ranch, how to use food to heal the body through nutrition workshops, chiropractic and medical massage therapy to take care of their physical body, Qigong, evening fire pits and time bonding with one another." 

Veterans stay in an inclusive environment that is designed specifically for healing, having fun and creating a new, uplifting tribe. All participants stay at the beach house where most of the activities take place, while fresh and organic meals are prepared on location. This is all at no cost to the veterans, in thanks to the ongoing sponsorship by The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation. According to Simpkins, as well as independent evaluations and testimonies, after attending this retreat, 100% of veterans say they would recommend it to other veterans and they report having a significantly improved outlook and hope for the future. "Our retreat is equivalent to receiving about 12 months of weekly talk therapy," shares. 

The women's retreat program will start this Friday, September 10th, and since the second day will fall on the 20th anniversary of September 11th, the organization plans to hold a candlelight vigil as well. Located at "The NEST" at Robinson Preserve (840 99th St NW, Bradenton), starting at 7:30 pm, Operation Warrior Resolution invites the public community as well as other veterans to join. Manatee County's Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge, State Representative Will Robinson, Kendra Simpkins and a local chaplain (spiritual caretaker) will all be saying a word at the commemorative vigil. 

"During this time we will honor the service members who were killed in the recent attacks in Afghanistan," says Simpkins. "There are a lot of veterans struggling right now and we want to give them a way to relieve their suffering and let them know there's support."