Big Red Barn Retreat

After spending 5 years in Law Enforcement I was diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Panic Attacks. I spent years in law enforcement hiding my symptoms and moving from department to department trying to keep the house of cards from crashing down. In November of 2018 I was 2 months into serving at a new department and couldn't hide the symptoms anymore. I was having a panic attack every shift. I told my command staff about my diagnosis' and was found "unfit for duty", put on two months of unpaid leave before ultimately being "relieved of duty"

While I was on leave I was able to access resources through SCLEA to try and help me but as soon as I was relieved of duty and no longer an "active LEO" all those resources were no longer available. I spent the next two years working jobs trying to make ends meet while also trying to pay for my own counseling, and treatment. In October of 2020 I was in the darkest point of my life. I was having multiple panic attacks a day which then just compounded into depression and was out of work on disability. I felt like a diminished version of who I used to be and believed that there was nothing good in my future. I found out about the Big Red Barn Retreat Warrior PATHH Program and reluctantly signed up. I had tried everything and nothing had helped. I was able to attend the first Warrior PATHH program in October of 2020 and the Program changed the trajectory of my life.

I spent 7 days with four strangers who became my brothers and was able to finally understand what was going on with me. I was able to remove the mask I had been wearing for years and share openly the struggles I was dealing with and through that process I found there there was immense strength that could be harnessed because of the challenges I had faced and was facing. I learned that there was nothing "wrong" with me and that my training and experiences were what caused me to have what society sees as "symptoms". I was exactly the person I was supposed to because of my training and the experiences that I had. I had just lost sight of that and I accepted the labels and diagnosis' I received as my identity.

After returning from the retreat my counselor told me he didn't think I needed to see him anymore. I went from having daily panic attacks to going 8 months straight without a panic attack at all. Even when i get a panic attack today it is no where near what they used to be and are less and less frequent the longer I practice the wellness practices I learned at the retreat. The medication I took for panic attacks and anxiety went from lasting 1 month to 5 months.

After completing the program I knew I had to get involved. There is nothing like this out there for First Responders. SCLEA, EAP, and Post Critical Incident Seminars, therapy, and counseling do not come close to providing the amount of help that I received in just 7 days at Warrior PATHH. A year after completing the program I quit my Job and returned to the Big Red Barn to begin teaching the program as a PATHH Guide because of the impact that it had on me.

If you are struggling as a first responder whether you are active, have retired, or have left, or been let go like I was I would STRONGLY encourage you to attend the Warrior PATHH Program. You will not regret it! Come learn how to turn the struggles you face today into strength that will guide you through your future.

The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) is a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting Military Veterans and First Responders in their journey to thrive. As a veteran who had the privilege of participating in the BRBR program, I can confidently attest that there is no other program quite like it. It holds a special place in my heart for the invaluable role it played in helping me find my way back to a fulfilling life.

The BRBR's serene property and outstanding facilities offer a haven of relaxation, providing a much-needed escape from the stressors of life. Having interacted with numerous veteran-focused nonprofits, I can affirm that the BRBR consistently lives up to its promises. It genuinely enhances the lives of our veterans, first responders, and their families, making a meaningful and positive difference.

The Big Red Barn Retreat is truly one of the most impactful places I've ever been. Coming from a military and first responder family background, there are many struggles you and your family go through that most people wouldn't realize. I have found so much peace and safety here. Everyone involved is dedicated to making sure you get what you need out of the programs and services they provide, so it's an amazing support system to have in your life.

In addition, the property and facilities are so beautiful, it's such a relaxing place to come and unwind when life gets too stressful. There's something for everyone at the Big Red Barn Retreat!

I am very grateful for the Warrior Pathh Program and the Big Red Barn. Helped transform the way I look at life struggles. Also gave me tools to continue to grow and developed a strong support system. I loved my time at the Big red Barn and exited to continue to be involved , whether it is helping in the kitchen or being a part of the garden team. I encourage anyone veteran struggling, that the Warrior Pathh is an opportunity of a lifetime and wish them the best. Brian WP009

The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) helps Military Veterans and 1st Responders to thrive. As a veteran who graduated from the Warrior PATHH program provided at BRBR, I can speak from experience that their is no program like it anywhere. As warriors we have skills, values, and attributes that are instilled to help those we love and care about. However, we tend to forget about an important person; ourselves. BRBR allowed me to focus on myself by redefining my definition of success from having weatlh and title to being better then who I was yesterday. Highly recommend to be curious and look into this non-profit organization.

Before pathh I was disconnected and fighting in silence isolated all the time. Now after warrior pathh I'm going to coffee group and have a better outlook on life.i can do things that Before I would have not done so thankful for pathh

They say experience is the best teacher. Some may add “especially if it’ssomeone else’s experience.” With that in mind I am sharing a recent experience of mine in the hopes that it may reinforcesomething we as leaders in the military say all the time but sometimes seems not to be believed. If you need help with yourmental health, GET HELP with your mental health. Depending on the model, your resilience is based on multiple attributes orcharacteristics. Two common attributes are mental and physical health and are perfect examples for this article.
If your physical health is suffering you go to a doctor without reservation. If you have a broken bone, you get a cast and wait yoursix weeks to heal. No one, including yourself, ever questions or judges your visits to a medical professional.
If your mental health is suffering you, like me, try to heal it yourself. We think we are too strong and independent to need helpwith something as simple as fi xing our thoughts, our moods or our interactions with others. Surely all I need to do is get over it.And what if I did seek help and my friends, family, or employer found out? Especially if you are still serving in the military. Wouldmy career suffer? The answer is no. Your career will suffer more from you not getting the help you need because you are notable to give your best. That is where I was, not at my best. Enter the Warrior PATHH!
“Warrior PATHH is a transformative, lifelong, posttraumatic growth-based training program for combat veterans and fi rstresponders. The training begins with a seven day on-site initiation that is followed by 18 months of training delivered by ourinstructors through our myPATHH platform.” — Warriors — Boulder Crest Foundation
Initially, I went to The Warrior PATHH because I wanted to ‘check it out’ to see if it had value for my Airmen. However, I knew Ihadn’t been at my best over the last few months. I had a colonel and a lieutenant colonel point out that I was being crustier andgrumpier than normal. I knew I wasn’t being honest with myself. I knew I was not presenting my best self to my wife and myfamily. I knew I wasn’t leading Airmen the way they deserved to be led. I used the same excuses that many of you are using: I’mtired, I haven’t been sleeping well, I just need to refocus, I’m in a funk etc. Thankfully for myself, my family, friends, and theAirmen I lead, the PATHH guides called me on my [crap].
I thought I was fi ne and living well. I wasn’t a true ‘combat’ veteran. I hadn’t had any single traumatic event that was causing meto struggle. I was presented an entirely different perspective through the Warrior PATHH program. I learned it doesn’t have to beone event that causes you to struggle living your best life. Instead it can be: 54 years of life, 34 years in uniform, 33 years ofmarriage, raising three children, not dealing well with the death of a parent, or a million other everyday events that add up. Itdoesn’t matter if the weight in your ruck sack is one solid block or a million pieces, it's still a burden you do not have to carry.The Warrior PATHH won’t eliminate the struggle of life but it will teach you that struggle is where we grow and to struggle well!
I wanted to tell you this story for multiple reasons but most importantly to reinforce that it’s okay to take a knee. Not only is itokay it’s essential! You can’t give your best if you are not at your best. Your family, friends, coworkers and you yourself deserveyour best. If you need help get help! If you have questions about the Warrior PATHH come and see me or visithttps://www.thebigredbarnretreat.org/ for more information. Struggle Well Airmen!

As a former law enforcement officer and Paramedic I havebeen struggling with PTSD for many years. I attended the Warrior PATHH training in June 2023. Designed for veterans and first responders who are struggling in life, PATHH - Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes - has helped me in ways that no counseling or medication ever could.

I feel alive again. I have new purpose in life. My relationships are stronger and deeper. I have new goals and hope for a better today & tomorrow. Instead of just struggling from one day to the next, I am learning how to experience growth and strength in every aspect of life. I am excited about living for the first time in almost 20 years. In fact, my goal is to become an Expert Guide at BRBR to serve my fellow warriors in need.

If you are a veteran or first responder and you want & need to change the path you are on, I encourage you to take that first step and contact The Big Red Barn Retreat because, as they taught us, Struggle is a terrible thing to waste.

Ron Anderson, WP #35

After retiring from the USAF, I found myself struggling with the transition from military to civilian life. The warmth and compassion I've experienced from the terrific folks I've met at the BRBR along with the tools I've acquired from participating in it's programs have shown me that, while the struggle doesn't necessarily disappear, it is within my power to struggle well.

I am a Vietnam veteran with PTSD. Programs at the BRBR have had a tremendous effect on easing the pain and quieting the inner storms of my life. Tai Chi with Bill provided skill sets for coping with both physical and mental issues, and Music Therapy proved to be a surprising outlet for healthy expression of emotions. When I am on campus I can't help but notice what a blessing the many programs at BRBR are to my Veteran brothers and sisters. GREAT PLACE!!!!

I cannot say enough good things about BRBR! The Warrior PATHH Program is incredibly powerful and gave me the capability to regain control of my attitude, perspective & life. The Guides here really care about each person that comes through the program.

I have known the Iron family (the family that started the Big Red Barn Retreat in honor of Leon Irons) for over 20 years. I have observed the positive impact the Warrior Path program has had on military and first responder persons who have gone thru the program. I donate to the BRBR because of the impact the program makes on participants.

I am a retired Army Veteran. I was already dealing with depression since leaving active duty, then I lost my father. I was in a very dark place in life. Since attending peer-to-peer on Friday mornings at the Big Red Barn, life is once again bright. I have adopted a outside family of brothers and sisters from all branches of the military and police force. We laugh and cry together. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful group and organization. I once again feel like I belong to something. Thank you BRB!

BRBR is an awesome place for veterans. They offer a variety of experiences for veterans. Highly recommend getting involved with Big Red Barn.

I served 20 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (Operations Specialist) in June of 2007. Upon my retirement, I moved back home (Lexington, SC) in order to be close to my mom and my son. After another divorce and just making my way through life with no direction, my therapist asked if I had heard of the Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood, SC? I had not, and he made me promise to go out and take a look then call him back. I drove through the gates and found my way to the lounge. Then Sutton happened. She approached me with a big smile and welcomed me; I was a bit timid. She took me for a stroll across the land and explained the goals behind the BRBR and available programs for veterans. I left that afternoon with a sense of excitement and something to look forward to. 11 months later, I have attended several programs offered and I am a Warrior PATHH graduate. I now have direction and a much clearer view of life. The BRBR just completed their first Warrior PATHH program (Oct 2020) and I was honored to be one of the Chefs on staff. Not a better non profit then those that assist Veterans and first responders in getting “their lives” back. I thank Sutton Shaw and Barbara Irons for their ongoing programs that provide practices and tools to utilize to make every day just a little better than yesterday. #Strugglewell

The Big Red Barn Retreat is the best place for Veterans who are looking for alternative or extra help with their PTSD or just to connect with other Veterans. Before the BRBR I was lost with no light at the end of my tunnel and was sinking farther into an internal darkness. The peace and programs and people at the BRBR has helped me in so many ways. I look forward to more programs and hopefully also getting enrolled into the new Warrior PATHH program too. This is one of the best places and SC is lucky to have it.