Here is what Heroes We've Hosted are Saying...
I came to the HU2H Big Sky Retreat searching for a better version of myself. I needed distance from my problems and new ways to enjoy life again. I honestly didn't know what to expect, and what I found was nothing like I imagined. I thought it would be long conversations around a campfire and repetitive therapy-style lectures. Instead, it was unforgettable. We built real bonds, listened without judgment, related to one another, and experienced things many people never will.
Every activity was thoughtfully designed and surprisingly powerful, allowing
healing to happen naturally through reflection, experience, and connection. Before the retreat, stress consumed nearly every part of my life. I was recovering from military trauma while also healing from a long, abusive relationship. I carried anger quietly, lived with depression daily, and pushed through life focused only on keeping my kids happy-even at the expense of my own joy. What this retreat gave me was something I didn't realize I was missing: a true support system. Despite being antisocial by nature, the people at HU2H, both the participants and the staff, became a second family. Knowing I have people I can lean on has changed everything. One moment that will stay with me forever was the mountain hike in Yellowstone. I don't like heights, and standing on a ledge thousands of feet up terrified me, but I did it. In that moment, I learned that I can go as far in life as I choose if I'm willing to face fear and take risks. My mental health improved from fair to good, and I left with a deeper understanding of trauma and countless ways to continue healing on my own.
HU2H changed my outlook on life, and I will carry this experience with me always. I recommend this retreat to everyone. I know some experiences are even more powerful when you don't know what's coming.
- Cpl Ehrhart, John P. USMC
Heroes United to Heal (HU2H) has truly changed my life. I want to share something deeply personal I've been blessed to be part of. As a veteran, I've carried invisible wounds from my time in service, the kind of pain and trauma that often go unspoken but never really fade. HU2H provides a safe and supportive space for veterans and first responders to begin healing from those experiences. Through their retreats and programs, they create a community where people can reconnect, find peace, and rediscover hope. I've been on the receiving end of that care, and I can tell you firsthand... It works. It matters. It's real healing.
HU2H isn't just another organization; it's a lifeline for so many of us
who have struggled in silence. They gave me the tools, support, and
compassion I needed to start truly healing, and I've seen them do the
same for countless others. I'm endlessly grateful for the impact HU2H
has had on my life and the lives of so many heroes who deserve a
chance to heal.
-Alexander Hall
CMSgt, USAF (Retired)
I attended the HU2H Big Sky Retreat with one simple but terrifying goal: to face my fear of opening up about my trauma. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the experience exceeded every expectation I had. From the very beginning, I felt supported, welcomed, and understood. I learned more than I anticipated and formed genuine friendships with people who truly “get it."
Before the retreat, stress controlled my life. I was short-tempered with my family, avoided people, and turned to isolation and drinking as coping mechanisms. Through the education and experiences at HU2H, I gained tools that have already changed how I respond to stress. I learned to slow down, think before reacting, and let go of things I can't control.Learning how the brain processes trauma helped me understand that my reactions weren't failures, they were responses I could now manage in healthier ways.
The equine therapy was especially impactful, showing me that I can release the past and move forward. What stood out most was the connection, quiet evenings at the cabin, conversations around the fire, and the sense of camaraderie that developed naturally. My mental health shifted from "poor” to “good," and I left feeling hopeful and grounded. HU2H doesn't just host a retreat, they create a safe environment where real healing begins and lasting bonds are formed. I've stayed in touch with many of the others and would absolutely recommend this retreat to anyone struggling. Go in with an open mind and an open heart, it truly works.
-David "Too Easy" Luzader
U.S. Army Veteran
The Heroes United To Heal Retreat was a truly transformative experience. It created a safe and welcoming space for individuals carrying invisible wounds, people united by shared struggles that often go unseen.
Surrounded by the breath taking beauty of Montana, from the mountains to the Yellowstone River and the open skies, I found a sense of peace that reflected our collective journey toward healing. The local community welcomed us with incredible kindness and generosity, making us feel supported and at home from the moment we arrived. Throughout the retreat, I was surrounded by others who understood the fears, challenges, and hopes that come with the healing process.
Open and honest conversations were encouraged, allowing us to share our stories without judgment. While our experiences were different, we were all connected by the same desire for healing and a brighter future. Stepping outside my comfort zone, I participated in activities I never imagined I would try, horseback riding in the mountains, fly fishing on the Yellowstone River, and wildlife photography.
These experiences fostered growth, connection, and renewed confidence. This retreat was more than a getaway, it was a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, community, and support. I am deeply grateful for this experience and hopeful that the healing it sparked will continue to ripple forward, helping others on their own journeys.
~ Jennifer Breneman,
Retired Orange County Sheriff’s Office
I attended the HU2H Big Sky Retreat to learn how to better cope with the PTSD and anxiety I carry from years of service.
I arrived skeptical and guarded, unsure of what the week would bring, but I left feeling like a different person. The experience was nothing short of amazing. My anxiety is noticeably reduced, and I’m able to function better in my daily life.
What stood out most was how organic the healing felt. Nothing was forced. The education, conversations, and activities unfolded naturally, creating a space where opening up felt safe rather than pressured. Before the retreat, I lived in a constant state of alert, always scanning rooms, sitting with my back to walls, avoiding crowds, and feeling irritated more often than I wanted to admit.
During the retreat, I learned healthier coping skills and finally opened up about things I had buried for years. The curriculum was excellent, and hearing how others manage PTSD, and realizing I wasn’t alone in my struggles, was incredibly powerful. Even the simple moments of shared laughter and stories made a difference.
Fly fishing became a turning point for me. It was challenging and new, stressful and calming all at once. Being out on the river, finding a piece of petrified wood, and sharing the experience with others, including Donna’s genuine excitement, made it unforgettable.
I’ve continued fly fishing since returning home and even invested in my own gear. Just as meaningful were the connections I made with the other attendees; we’ve stayed in touch and continue to support one another. HU2H didn’t just give me tools, it gave me confidence, hope, and a sense of belonging. I would absolutely recommend this retreat to others. Come in with an open mind, you’ll leave changed.
- CMS Patrick Smith, USAF, Retired
After living with PTSD for more than 24 years, I had learned how to “deal” with it, but not how to truly heal.
I met Donna, the founder of HU2H, at an American Legion event and shared my story. She listened, understood, and encouraged me to apply for the Big Sky Retreat, telling me it would be exactly what I needed. She was right.
I arrived in Montana hoping to rediscover the person I used to be, the one buried beneath years of fear, anxiety, and depression, the retreat didn't just meet my expectations, it exceeded them. For the first time in years, I felt adventurous again. I even picked up my camera after six years and fell back in love with photography, something I thought I had lost forever.
The retreat gave me clarity and tools I didn't know I was missing. Through education, I learned that I likely also suffer from a traumatic brain injury, which helped explain why
my PTSD symptoms have been so difficult to manage. That knowledge alone was life-changing and allowed me to have more productive conversations with my therapist.
Just as important were the experiences, horseback riding, wildlife photography, fly fishing, and simply being immersed in nature. Each activity helped rebuild confidence and reminded me that healing doesn't look the same for everyone.
I learned healthier ways to manage stress through journaling, meditation, art, and photography, and for the first time in a long time, I stopped spiraling every day.
What truly sets HU2H apart is the sense of connection. Reconnecting with other first responders who genuinely understand what I've been through reminded me that I'm not broken, and I'm not alone. The bonds we formed are real; we stay in touch and support one another like family. My mental health shifted from "poor" to “good, ” and I left with hope, purpose, and the courage to move forward.
HU2H didn't just give me a week away, they gave me permission to live again. I would recommend this retreat to anyone who is struggling, especially those who are hesitant or afraid. Do it. You won't regret it.