Helping to Heal our Heroes
Supporting Our Veterans at the Freedom Alliance Heroes Vacation in Los Suenos, Costa Rica
Each year Freedom Alliance, with the help of dozens of sponsors and contributors, hosts the Heroes Vacation in Los Suenos, Costa Rica to honor members of our Armed Forces, including combat wounded veterans, with a relaxing, fun-filled and rehabilitative vacation. This year’s retreat was full of activities including zip lining, golfing, a river cruise, pool parties, plenty of hosted meals, a cruise to Isla Tortuga and of course, multiple days of action-packed fishing aboard a fleet of Costa Rica’s finest charter boats.
Jarrett Bay Boatworks President, Randy Ramsey proudly donated 30 limited edition prints signed by renowned Marine Artist, Steve Goione to the Freedom Alliance Heroes Vacation. Each hero in attendance received a print as a souvenir and one print was then signed by every veteran in attendance and auctioned off to raise $4,250 for the Freedom Alliance.
This event hosted 16 men who have fought for our country and sacrificed in different ways. Some of the veterans in attendance included a Marine who lost both legs to an IED blast, a mortuary affairs Marine who was tasked with finding remains in the war zone, plus several Special Operations soldiers that constantly deploy, and others whose burdens are just as great.
All photo credits: Pepper Ailor
Aside from fishing, relaxing and other adventures the Freedom Alliance team introduced a new aspect of healthy group discussions to make it less of a vacation and more of a meaningful event – and they hit a home run in the process! The group of combat wounded veterans united through multiple group discussions and the sharing of testimonies in seeking help and overcoming struggles. With every need planned for, addressed, and provided during this vacation, the warriors only had to focus on themselves and their comrades-in-arms.
Heroes Vacation event organizer Pepper Ailor exclaimed, “This is bigger than a vacation or fishing trip. We are getting a glimpse into the very private lives of those who fight our country’s wars and helping to share their load. We’ve got big plans for next year, and hope to continue growing support for this and other events.”
“As a combat wounded vet, I was made to feel ‘safe’ and relaxed for a short period of time which helps my healing and extends to my family. They get a more peaceful dad and husband back in the house. I look forward to many more veterans getting the opportunity to experience the same feelings I felt on this adventure.”
“Thank you! You have no idea how much this trip has done for me. I needed this. I have been really struggling lately and this trip was the reset button I needed. I could never have afforded a trip like this, and I really appreciate your generosity so much. I cannot wait to share this experience with my family.”
Freedom Alliance President, Thomas Kilgannon personally thanked Randy Ramsey for his donation to this year’s Heroes Vacation, “Colonel [Oliver] North [founder of Freedom Alliance] joins me in thanking you for your gift of 30 signed limited edition prints by Steve Goione to our Support Our Troops program for veterans at our April 2018 Heroes Vacation in Costa Rica. Your generosity helps make this all possible, and we are deeply grateful.”
Ramsey has been contributing to veteran and armed forces support organizations like Freedom Alliance and Operation WetVet for many years, including the use of his personal boat Starflite and her captain and crew for veteran fishing trips.
“I don’t know how the trip could have been any better! It was so great, the people who sponsored us, the activities, everything it was awesome and well-planned. Thank you again and I look forward to the future.”
“It was hosted and funded by red-blooded Americans with nothing but the best intentions and it showed – thanks for everything.”
About Freedom Alliance
The Freedom Alliance was formed in 1990 by a pair of Vietnam vets with a mission to honor and support America’s military and meet the rehabilitation needs of wounded veterans and their families. Freedom Alliance successfully mobilizes volunteers to provide thousands of care packages to deployed troops, as well as provide assistance to wounded warriors and families who have experienced loss. The longevity and reach of the Freedom Alliance organization is massive, yet they still understand the profound healing that a small handful of veterans can experience during a hunting or fishing trip or the Heroes Vacation.
