Naples non-profit’s therapy retreats heal active duty military, veterans

For 21-years, Brent South served our country.

“First Ranger Battalion for 4 years,” South said. “Did operation desert storm. I was the first Ranger Battalion. Then I went to Kia Warriors.”

When his O-H helicopter went down, everything changed. South got out of the helicopter and had multiple injuries. But after retirement, he had troubles.

“The mental and physical aspects of the transition was probably, I hate to say it, as far as my military career that was probably one of the worst,” South said.

South also had trouble with his relationships, such as expressing the problems he had.

“I don’t want to hurt her or scare her or any of those other things,” South said, “because we are protectors.”

Operation Healing Forces has a goal to challenge couples, such as South and his significant other, with therapy “through recreation” and “therapy by accomplishment.”

Retired or active-duty members of the special operations community and their spouses are brought on a week-long luxury retreat where locals offer up their homes for each couple to enjoy.

The non-profit started with one retreat in 2011. It now has 45 planned for 2020.

“We show them something different, something healthy,” Billy said.

“I just think that it’s been an amazing experience and so generous and kind and we just love the community,” Jeannine said.

Bonding and healing with his fellow warriors is an experience South said he would never forget.

“It’s one of the few times that I feel safe in my life,” South said.