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 breathtaking 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