Operation Healing Forces

This #LaborDay, Operation Healing Forces extends our deepest gratitude to the dedicated workers who contribute to the strength of our country. 🇺🇸 A special salute to America's U.S. Special Operations Forces and their families, whose daily sacrifices ensure our freedom and security. ❤️ To our amazing #OHF team, your passion fuels our mission. The work you do each day is truly making a difference—thank you for your commitment to serving our nation's heroes! #CreatingBondsThatCure #HappyLaborDay #hardwork #workworthdoing #Americasbackbone

As we observe National Suicide Awareness Month this September, we are reminded of the vital role that support and connection have in the lives of our nation's heroes. Operation Healing Forces is committed to enhancing the protective factors that contribute to our veterans' mental well-being while reducing the risk factors that lead to their struggles. OHF's programs are specifically designed to provide the care, connection, and community that Special Operations Forces service members and their families need to navigate challenges and build brighter futures. By supporting Operation Healing Forces, you're directly contributing to a network of care that saves lives. Together, we can stand by our veterans, ensuring they have the strength, support, and resources to overcome the challenges they face. Your involvement can make all the difference. https://lnkd.in/dVCYWhi

While attending the 2024 Wounded Warrior Project Community Partner Convening, OHF's CEO, Kerry Irvin, and COO, Desiree Holley, were inspired by the collective efforts of #WWP's community partners. Witnessing so many dedicated organizations unite to create impactful solutions for our military-connected community reinforces the power of collaboration. Operation Healing Forces is proud to be part of such a powerful network, where we are going #FurtherTogether to support our nation's military.

🌟 Have you checked out the GREAT prizes they're raffling off for the Raymond James #VALOR fundraiser? Browse here: https://lnkd.in/e-ZQCCCY The Raymond James National Veterans Inclusion Network (Valor), is a representation of all service branches and #milspouses and families, fostering camaraderie, networking, and community involvement. They aim to give back to #veterans, and #OHF is grateful to be one of the #militarynonprofits selected to receive proceeds from this fundraiser! 🎟 Grab your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eu9RNa6b

Our partners at HatchPath are crushing these milestones! Operation Healing Forces is grateful to be a part in the growth of this incredible program, with over 400 coaches that help to meet the needs of our nation’s heroes with each #virtualcoaching session! Let’s keep going! Are you a member of the SOF community? Email [email protected] to claim your $500 voucher!

Unity in Understanding As the spouse of a Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) operator, life for Victoria Richwine of Saints Ferry, NC, has been full of uncertainties. But when the couple’s two-year-old son, Weston, was diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressive (FOP), the unknowns seemed overwhelming. FOP is an extremely rare musculoskeletal condition, where after birth and through life, muscles and tendons gradually transform into bone. Due to the rarity of FOP, which occurs in an estimated 1 out of 2 million, Victoria found it difficult to find anyone knowledgeable about the condition, let alone anyone to provide guidance and support. When the Richwines received an invite to the IFOPA Family Gathering held in Dallas last November, they knew it would be incredibly valuable for their family to attend. However, they were unsure how they would come up with the funds. Operation Healing Forces recognized the significance of this specialized event not only for Weston’s quality of care, but also for the family to find connection within a very small community. OHF stepped in to cover flights, hotel, registration fees, and a rental car, ensuring the entire Richwine family could benefit from the experience. While attending the IFOPA Family Gathering, the Richwines had the chance to meet other parents of FOP children, “we shared our stories, where we’re at, and how we’re managing,” said Victoria. Through allotted one-on-one sessions, they had the opportunity to sit down with doctors and dentists who specialize in FOP and receive the answers to their long-awaited questions. “They even gave us a tool that if his arms lock up, this tool will help him to brush his teeth and still be independent,” Victoria added. The sibling breakout sessions offered a wonderful opportunity for Weston’s siblings to meet others sharing in the caretaking role for their loved ones with FOP, and creating bonds through their similar experiences. “I’m so glad we were able to go,” said Victoria with tears, “because it’s so lonely when there might be one other family in all of North Carolina that may be experiencing FOP in their household.” “Words cannot express the gratitude for Operation Healing Forces and their donors. It has been a really hard year and half, doing this alone and facing the unknowns,” said Victoria. #OHF #CreatingBondsThatCure #SOARprogram

🌟 Please help Operation Healing Forces earn our 2024 Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Award by sharing your story! Click to write a review: https://lnkd.in/e8eP29Gi GreatNonprofits – the #1 source of nonprofit stories and feedback – is honoring highly regarded #nonprofits with their 2024 Top-Rated List. Help #OHF raise visibility by posting a brief story of your experience with us! All content will be visible to potential donors and volunteers. THANK YOU!

#OHF Immediate Needs Program provides direct medical and crisis support to Special Operations personnel and their families. Each case is looked upon uniquely and carefully, and offered the appropriate assistance based on the situation. To find out how you can help, please visit https://lnkd.in/g-N3VrTX #TheirLivesAreOurMission #SOFfamily #milfamily

At the recent Army Aviation Association of America Summit, Operation Healing Forces CEO, Kerry Irvin, led a powerful spouse professional development session, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies based on research. "Irvin covered separate components like Resilience, a Growth Mindset, Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence that, when utilized together, have proven to enhance the well-being of individuals to promote post-challenge growth." Operation Healing Forces is committed to bolstering the #resilience of the #SOF community, ensuring our nation's heroes and their families have the tools to not only survive but #thrive. Explore the July issue of #AAAA magazine here: https://lnkd.in/e7TVFJr8 #QuadA #PostTraumaticGrowth #GrowthMindset #Resilience #EmotionalIntelligence #milspouse

Today is International Dog Day! 🦴 Did you know the Belgian Malinois is the predominant breed of dog utilized by all four branches of the military? They are considered ideal due to their trainability, high-energy, loyalty, speed, agility, and fierceness when needed. These four-legged warriors are used for sniffing out bombs, scouting, patrol work, and can be used in search and rescue parachute and rappel operations. Learn more about America's #fourleggedheroes at https://lnkd.in/eTeJS2mm #OHF #InternationalDogDay #fourleggedfighters #mansbestfriend #belgianmalinois