The Bonfire Program was a great way to reconnect with fellow veterans and engage in multiple outdoor activities including: fishing, horse riding, hiking, etc. The 4 day weekend that I experienced in Colorado among fellow veterans was amazing. I was able to open up and talk about events that took place overseas during combat situations. The most unique experience was meeting veterans from WWII and Vietnam. Being able to express myself with them was very therapeutic. I look forward to their events because they help me. The staff and volunteers do an amazing job making sure everything runs smoothly. Thank you for your support!
One of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time, the volunteers and organization really care about wounded veterans and helping us move forward, would definitely recommend any wounded veterans to attend
The Warrior Bonfire Program deserves EVERY one of the 5 stars I have given them, and if I could give more I would. I have been impressed with WBP for a few years now as although I had signed up for their pool of Purple Heart veterans to be served, I had not been able to make it work for quite some time to get to one of their events. YET, they still called me around the Holidays, on my birthday, and sent emails to simply check in to see how I was doing. That was genuine. Real genuine and appreciated. I finally had the opportunity to recently attend their 6th annual (128th Bonfire) Lake Sam Rayburn fishing event in March 2022. The communications, info share, assuring proper travel was taken care of or on track, and providing a comprehensive OPORD prior to the event to be as prepared as possible. The host, WBP fellow Purple Heart guide, and all the volunteers were welcoming people who sincerely loved being there to show myself and the 5 other P-Hearts a memorable and relaxing time. Outstanding hospitality. WBP's executive office stayed in touch in real-time, checked in on us, made themselves available for any needed questions or assistance. I had a wonderful time and made lifelong friends not only with my fellow Purple Hearters, but so many of the great people involved. I highly recommend that all Post 9/11 Purple Heart veterans check out WBP events and I plan on attending a future one for sure!
This past weekend (25-27 March 2022), I had a fantastic time at Lake Sam Rayburn, TX. Thank you, Warrior Bonfire Program, for such an outstanding experience.
It was great bonding with fellow Purple Heart veterans, meeting very generous hosts/volunteers, and the flag retirement ceremony is something I will never forget. The bonfire provided us each an opportunity to open up about those we've lost and honor their memory. I don't remember the last time I met so many great people and was able to unplug in this way.
If you know a Purple Heart recipient that would benefit from an outdoor event, please refer them to Warrior Bonfire Program!
What a great opportunity for purple heart veterans to get together and bond through adventures. We snowboarded, fished, snowmobiled and tubed and had a great time.
I was invited to attend the Fishing Retreat and share my passion of fishing and the outdoors with the warriors in attendance. I was honored and humbled with the invite and very impressed with the prompt response from Warrior Bonfire. Everyone I spoke with helped make the process of working with them, VERY easy and enjoyable. Once at the retreat, I was absolutely impressed with the Warrior Bonfire staff member on hand and the organization of this event. The vets were treated like the true warriors they are and the healing and relaxation that took place, was clearly visible. I had an amazing experience working with these incredible people and the need to keep this program moving forward so more can experience it, became very clear to me. I am proud to be associated with the Warrior Bonfire Program and I am looking forward to helping with more events.
Great organization and good people! They not only assist the veteran but help the spouse too.
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The Warrior Bonfire Program is an excellent organization and goes above and beyond organizations. They focus solely on Purple Heart Recipients and those that care for the veteran. The trips are enjoyable and provide the veteran/ care providers a means to reconnect with other who experience the negative effect of combat.
I would encourage and Purple Heart recipient or family member to check out the organization and give It a try to see what it’s all about.
I was afforded the opportunity to take care of 5 purple heart recipients by aiding in the trip execution. It was a great opportunity to give back! The team WBP team was professional and genuine in their care and concern for the Warriors!
The Warrior Bonfire Program is one of the best programs currently engaging Purple Heart recipients. Small groups led by a tremendous staff only emphasize the great work being done here. I would recommend this program to all Purple Heart recipients!!
I have had the privilege of being invited on two trips. California dreaming in 2018 and most recently Wisconsin adventures.
Both programs work outstanding; however, this last adventure was exceptional. I want to thank Mike and Helen for everything they do my fellow veterans Jesus and Andrew and a very gracious, supportive and family oriented community we had the pleasure of being integrated with…. It felt just like family!
Thank you again, Warrior Bonfire ❤️
P.S. I’m both a client served and someone with experience in this field. Hooah ooh-Rah
I look forward to the next invitation.
Was able to spend time with fellow purple heart veterans on a great fishing trip. This trip ranks in one of the best that I have ever been on. Great time and would not have happened if not for the Warrior Bonfire Program
I attended Bonfire #109 as a volunteer. As a veteran, but not with combat experience, I was humbled by the experience and what I witnessed. There was an immediate, profound and I expect, lasting connection between the Purple Hearts. The outdoor activities in general are fantastic bonding opportunities, but as I learned, the downtime, commiserating and sharing between these heroes is really the center of mass of the weekend. Only those who have walked the ground can truly understand...and can be this instrumental in the process of healing. The concluding ceremony at the bonfire is immensely powerful, this can not be overstated. John 15:13 "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Wow, I can't thank the Warrior Bonfire Program enough for having me on the trip to South Dakota at the Majestic Ranch.
I am a Desert Storm Marine with PTSD and being with my fellow combat vets in this environment was very healing.
The Bonfire it's self was a terrific yet very emotional way to let loose our emotions while also honoring the brothers we have lost.
Thank you
I had my first bonfire this past weekend and I have nothing but fantastic things to say about this organization.the WBP is top notch. I can attest that true healing comes from great people around a bonfire!
Thank you so much, Warrior Bonfire!! I had a great time on this trip. The activities were a blast, things I would have never done otherwise. It also did my soul a lot of good to spend time with fellow veterans again. I will cherish this time for many years to come.
Semper fi
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This is a wonderful organization that deeply care about the warriors. This is a well ran organization. They have wounded warriors that they have sent to training to go on the events as group leaders so all the warriors feel very comfortable talking about anything
Have been involved with two WBP events at Korkow Ranch, SD, www.theranchministries.com
These are extremely valuable gatherings for warriors and those of many generations who benefit from the camaraderie. Around campfire after the flag retirement ceremony one veteran of Afghanistan talked of his grandfather. I asked, "Was he a WWII veteran?" He said, "No, Korea." When I remarked with, "My grandfather geared up for World War One," all there laughed, those who participated in Bosnia, Kosovo, OEF, Iraq, etc., knew that we were a brotherhood.
Phil Conroy, Viet Nam, Cold War, Desert Shield, Desert Storm. Now just helping out with transportation.
WBP is an awesome non profit that helps Veteran’s like myself learn to cope with issues such as ptsd through outdoor activities. These healing events help us in so many ways it’s life altering. I can say they are one of the few organizations that have truly helped me. So please donate to a great organization!
I was blessed to attend the Strong Spouses retreat in Granby Colorado in September 2020. I had such a wonderful time getting to know other caregivers like myself. Everyone at Warrior Bonfire is so nice that we all felt like part of a larger family in no time at all. I absolutely loved the horse back ride through the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Thank you Warrior Bonfire
I've had the opportunity to volunteer for the WBP for the past two years. As a combat veteran with three deployments to Iraq, I have seen first-hand the impact this organization has on Purple Heart Veterans and their families. It has been a privilege to serve this nonprofit, as it employs recreational therapy and Veteran fellowship to facilitate healing and recovery from combat trauma.
Just got back from a California Dreamin trip and it was amazing. The whole experience especially with surfing, was just phenomenal. Mike and Dave were outstanding to us and made sure we were always comfortable, fed, and having a great and safe time. It’s an adventure that continues to give me hope that there’s more and more things I can do even with a prosthetic. Thank you all so much for a great experience and for everything y’all do.
I was blessed to be able to attend the spouse weekend for Purple Heart spouses. I had a wonderful time relaxing with several other wives. The Warrior Bonfire Program gave me several new friends that I cherish. Thank you for an awesome weekend!
Warrior Bonfire Program provides our combat wounded veterans a chance to get together with friends and fellow Purple Heart recipients in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy activities, laughter, and the Bonfire.
Covid has reduced our impact somewhat, but we're ready to spring into action when the all clear is sounded.
WBP is an essential spoke in the wheel of healing.
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Read moreAfter a long and rigorous search for an organisation, I heard about Worrior Bondfire. It focuses on the combat wounded veteran that has the desire to hangout and make new life long friends and have fun getting back in the outdoors.
Amazing group of people who truly care about vets. No pressure and truly safe environment, not to mention so much fun and healing. Helen Phillips is like our mom and takes a care of us before during and after the even.
I have been part of this amazing team for six years. I have participated in various capacities but the most rewarding is as a caregiver for six Bonfires. I met true heroes and personally witnessed the healing that occurs for our Purple Hearts. It was a privilege to serve them and provide them an opportunity to share there experiences with one another. I have watched strangers become fast friends. I have seen people help each other solve their problems. I have also watched people reluctant at first, become the most active participant of a group. This is a great program that is providing an excellent service to our veterans!
Ive been on a couple of trips and love the fact it feels like family. Met great peaople and had great times. Proud to be a trip leader and give back to my brothers.
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I've been a member of this fine organization for over 5 years and have seen the positive effects of our program on nearly every single participant. This is a program that serves our Purple Heart Veterans in a manner no others can. You should all be cheering on this team of dedicated board members, volunteers, and even participants to keep this program moving to bigger and more expansive support of our veterans and their spouses.
I am a Iraq veteran who went on a few trip with Warrior bonfire. It outstanding Organization that Put veterans with veterans and making them forget about things they experience in Iraq. It made feel that I was Among My brother again
Warrior Bonfire Program is the real thing! They truly care about the community of service members they work with. Every single interaction, communication, and activity is well planned and executed. Great job!
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Where to begin? I exited the Army in 2009 and moved home after deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan and being wounded in combat, I was in a dark place for many years, 6 to be exact. I was introduced to the WBP in 2015 and it completely turned my life around, since then I have been able to keep a job, do community out reach programs, interact with friends and family and maintain a social life that was never an option before the connection between myself and the Warrior Bonfire! I have become the guy trying to help others rather than seek therapy and now I sit on the Board of Directors as the Vice Chair in hopes that we can continue to grow the organization and reach other veterans that are in the same state of mind that I was in dealing with reintegration into the civilian life and dealing with PTSD! WBP saves lives and is a powerful tool for veterans to have and use!
Had the best time ever and it felt so good to be around my brothers and sisters. To be able to tell me story and here other stories of how they came to be and share support to each other was great. Highly recommend this to any purple heart/disabled vet
Active, Working, Relaxing,Beautiful Scenery, Some of the Best GI's to hang out with and interesting sharing. The Bonfire ceremony is definitely the highlight, very sobering and one of the best ways to honor our fallen comrades.
The Warrior Bonfire Program has touched my life in ways that words can not describe. Through this program I have not only had life changing experiences but have also made friendships that will be everlasting. Thank you Warrior Bonfire for all that you do!
The Warrior Bonfire Program is a new organization for me. Sometime in 2018 I received an email asking if I was interested in attending their events and for the 2019 Bataan Memorial Death March I was finally able to meet these wonderful people. From the tops of the organization to the volunteers you can tell they truly care about enriching the lives of veterans through outdoor activities. I can't speak highly enough about them! I hope to have the privilege of seeing them again soon.
Great time!!! I was able to talk about and share an event that happened to me for the first time in ten years, a story my wife doesn’t even know.
The bonfire ceremony is something very special, and to have a group of 20 or so civilians watch, and thank us for our sacrifices meant a lot. I was told by one guy “not sure if it was the flag ceremony itself or all the veterans dedicating each stripe to a fallen comrade, but it brought tears to my eyes”. I told him it brings them to mine as well, and it’s all about the brotherhood.
Another civilian asked me how long I had known the other warriors and after I told him I met them “about 12 hours ago” he was shocked. He said “the way you guys talk to each other, and call each other brothers, I thought you’ve been stationed with each other”. I just nodded my head and said “we may have never been stationed together, but we understand each other. This is what our weekend was all about”.
Great time with friends you’ve never met yet.
I hear the stories of the lost. I see the tears and the laughter. The therapeutic value i see and feel when volunteering and hosting events is simply amazing. Relationships and friends made are life lasting. No amount of money in the world can buy what we all experience at these trips. If you ever experience these life changing trips you will be changed for the better.
I tell folks this stuff is simple stupid but amazing. Warrior Bonfire Program has a unique recipe that I believe to be unmatched by any organization.
Warrior bonfire programs has all kind of events that allow wounded vets to spend time and enjoy themselves with other wounded vets while enjoying an event
To whom it may concern:
I've been a volunteer of Warrior Bonfire Program for a few years now.
Like many others, my time is a limited resource that I give very carefully.
And there are a myriad of nonprofits that need help.
And when I made the decision to joint WBP, it was an easy one.
Why? So glad you asked...
The volunteers and board members that serve this nonprofit, and more specifically/importantly, the veterans, do so with all the love and passion in the world.
This is a labor of love for all, and it is contagious.
Everyone in a supporting role at WBP truly cares deeply for our country's veterans, especially those wounded in battle, sacrificing themselves for our freedom.
That is something I can easily get behind.
Even more important - IT WORKS!! So many veterans have attended the WBP and most give glowing recommendations and feedback of the event.
Without getting into details of what we do, the Warrior Bonfire Program brings veterans together, specifically purple heart recipients (wounded in battle), and provides them with a safe place to share their experiences with other veterans of whom share similar life experiences. I couldn't say how this works, it just does. Something magic in the fire perhaps.
Veterans walk away saying WPB is better than any therapist/psychiatrist they've ever talked with.
Getting those results for veterans in America fills me with a sense of purpose. That's what WBP is all about - a group of humble citizens supporting the brave men and women of our military, and giving them a solution that truly could mean life or death one day.
I'm available for additional discussion/comments if necessary.
312-869-3854.
In service,
Adam Barncard
The Warrior Bonfire Program is not just an organization, but a Family of Veterans that are committed to improving the quality of life for Purple Heart recipients. Great program and family of brothers and sisters.
Amazing organization! I had the opportunity to attend the Best Little Air Show in the World, and blessed! I walked away with more confidence in myself, a better sense of pride and so many new friends. Thank you isn't enough!
This is a great organization that provide Purple Heart veterans the opportunity to heal emotionally.
My Dad was in the Navy and served in World War II. He then became a NYC policeman. Always serving his country. His Cousins and Uncles also served in the War. The Warrior Bonfire Program is certainly an organization that he would approve of. I personally know of some friends who devote a tremendous amount of time and effort to honor and respect all the men and women who have risked their lives for our Country. They arrange an annual outing which includes fishing, golfing, dinner etc as part of their tremendous thanks for these brave people that risk their lives for us everyday. The program helps to put a smile on their faces and helps them to forget the pain and suffering they have endured. I am happy to do my small part by donating to this worthy cause.
I volunteer with the WBP. Great people do this for the right reason. They have a very large percentage of money raised going directly to the veterans. They do this with a very small staff and lot of hard working volunteers. I've personally met many of the veterans they serve. The WBP is helping some well deserved combat wounded veterans.
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This was the first military charity I have supported since 9/11 that supports only 9/11 Vets. So many new charities popped up after 9/11 I didn't quite know who to trust. By trust I mean who would make the best use of the resources given to them. After vetting the Warrior Bonfire Program I learned that the mission is well thought out. The resources given are maximized with a low staff cost and max investment in the Veterans served. That is why I personally invest my time helping fundraise and providing support the to the staff. Lastly, the leaders and advisors of the group only care about how they can reach and help more Veterans. Every meeting we have is all about the Veterans and how we can be better and reach more Vets in need.
It has been a great pleasure for me to be a volunteer with this amazing program. I began volunteering at the Clay Skeet Shoot in 2016 and have remained active since. I can't thank our veterans enough for the sacrifice they make for me to enjoy the freedom I experience each and every day. So, to be involved with improving the lifelong journey and healing of these Purple Heart recipients is a way for me to say thank you to each and every sacrifice made. God bless you all.
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I became involved with the Warrior Bonfire Program about 3 years ago. As a Realtor, I am always looking for new ways to support and give back to the community. One of my regrets in life is that I was not a veteran. When I found your program I dove in and thought this is an opportunity to say thank you to all who gave the ultimate sacrifice and for those whose challenging experiences give me the freedom I experience daily. Thank you for being an inspiration and helping these soldiers, and their families to heal and enter back into civilian life in the most positive way possible. Also, thank you for the alumni that are volunteering their time in helping our youth in learning to understand, respect, and admire the moral code of our armed forces.
Warrior Bonfire Program is a very compassionate organization that helps bring together our purple heart veterans for much needed camaraderie of the events they have been through separate but together. There are many caring people involved in this organization that helps our veterans heal from their wounds of war, by bringing veterans together, at no monetary cost to the veteran. We can never do enough for those who protect us but Warrior Bonfire Program gives us a chance to show our appreciation through helping those who have given so much for our freedom. In my opinion, if you want to donate to a worthy cause, you could not pick a more generous, kindhearted organization than Warrior Bonfire Program.
I went on a trip in March with the Warrior Bonfire program. Their commitment to the emotional health and well being of the veterans they serve is extraordinary. This organization is truly a great non-profit!
The Warrior Bonfire Program saw an opportunity to give back. They charged forward and continue to look ahead. Focusing on post 09/11 Purple Heart warriors takes on a different challenge that has been accepted and very successful.
I have had the opportunity to meet some of their Warriors and they enjoyed every moment. It is personal and fulfilling for all involved. The needs of the Warriors are priority 1!
Warrior Bonfire Program is an organization that I whole heartedly support.
Suicide rates among combat wounded veterans are significantly higher than the national average. Warrior Bonfire works hard to help provide an expanded support network for Purple Heart recipients.
The folks who run this organization are dedicated and hard working. The work they do is important and meaningful.
Amazing group of volunteers that focus their time and energy to wounded warriors. The organization has focus, dedication and commitment to those that have served our nation. A determined organization that believes in teamwork and commitment to those that have served in combat and been wounded. The Warrior Bonfire Program is often where the healing begins and and hope is restored. With such a high suicide rate among our veterans positive outreach programs such as this are indispensable.
I have been associated with the Warrior Bonfire Program for several years and to be able to see the way veterans respond to the care and personal service that is received through the Program is one of the reasons I enjoy supporting the program. Each veteran I have been privledged to meet through the program knows that they are the reason that the program exists and that it is sincerely an honor for the program to serve them. To be able to serve our veterans with the volunteers and the staff of the Warrior Bonfire Program is a true honor.
Warrior Bonfire Program works in a hands-on personal way to help Purple Heart vets who are at risk. They have a low operating overhead so that nearly all money they raise goes directly to serving our vets. Their approach is very beneficial in preventing veterans suicide. The vets who have participated in the program swear by the results and the change WBP has made in their lives. I am proud to work with them to help make a difference.
Great Organization that cares about what a combat wounded veteran really its going through with his journey after recovery!!
This organization is first class in its dedication to helping support our wonderful veterans as they return back to nonmilitary roles in our society. The organization's drive and efforts are providing a truly "hands on" live experience to veterans with support in:
*Bonding with fellow purple heart recipients to understand that they are not alone.
*Providing a temporary breather experience--- away from the daily pressures of life in our society--- so they can mentally regroup and begin see a light in the distance for their future.
*Ongoing support from friendships developed and follow-up as needed on a "case-by-case" basis.
*An understanding and appreciation that someone cares.
There are many non-profits in our country that promise a lot but do not deliver. The Warrior Bonfire Program is one that truly does deliver with a commitment that will never be questioned. It sets the standard for honesty and results for other nonprofit's to follow and duplicate.
Amazing non profit organization that does exceptional events for Wounded Warriors and they do it for the right reasons! They have a passion for taking care of their Warriors and they make sure that every Warrior is comfortable and prepared for each event as well. The staff are so friendly and kind! Well prepared for every event! Incredible Organization!!
All pre-trip preparations were done in a very professional manner. Further, I found the WBP office to be very responsive and expedient. The trip was not only fun but very rewarding. Kudos to WBP!!
