Operation Warrior Resolution to Host Women Veterans Retreat and September 11 Candlelight Vigil

Todays News

Photo of equine therapy, courtesy of Operation Warrior Resolution

This week not only marks National Suicide Prevention Week, but also the anniversary of September 11th approaches its two-decade mark this weekend. Agreeably, there seems to be no better time for Operation Warrior Resolution to host a multi-day retreat for female veterans experiencing PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The local nonprofit aims to serve and heal all veterans, male and female (including their spouses and children), with holistic treatments, providing alternative and innovative approaches to heal the long-term effects of trauma. Retreats happen on a quarterly basis, with the next one offered sooner than usual in November for male veterans experiencing hardship at home due to the recent events happening in Afghanistan right now.

"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."

Photo of equine therapy, courtesy of Operation Warrior Resolution

To learn more about their services and retreats, head here

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