Operation Healing Forces (OHF) has been serving America’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) warriors, veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors since 2011, with a mission that goes far beyond traditional support. A national nonprofit founded by Gary and Denise Markel of Naples, OHF is dedicated to providing meaningful, long-lasting impacts for those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.
A Unique Commitment
What makes OHF especially distinctive is its financial model: the Board of Directors covers 100% of all overhead and administrative costs. This means every dollar donated by community members and supporters goes directly to funding programs that change - and save - lives. Donors can give with confidence, knowing their generosity has a direct and immediate impact on those who need it most.
Equally unique is OHF’s reach. Unlike most nonprofits, OHF serves all branches of Special Operations Forces - active duty, veteran, National Guard, and Reserve - and their families and caregivers. This ensures that no matter where they serve or what their status, SOF warriors and loved ones facing hardship can access the support they need when they need it most.
A Decade of Naples and Marco Support
At the heart of OHF’s work are its therapeutic retreats, where small groups of SOF couples and caregivers come together in private homes generously donated for the charity’s use by Naples and Marco Island residents. For more than a decade, the Paradise Coast has welcomed these heroes and their families with open arms. Resilience-based retreats have been hosted in multiple different area homes, and the generosity of the community has made each gathering impactful and unforgettable.
But the giving doesn’t stop at housing. Local restaurants, fishing charters, dinner cruises, airboat tours, boat rentals, wellness spas, and outdoor activity providers have all donated their services over the years. This ensures wounded warriors, their partners, and caregivers experience not only rest and reconnection but also the warmth and hospitality of the community.
Immediate Needs, Lasting Impact
Beyond retreats, OHF’s Special Operations Additional Resources (SOAR) Immediate Needs Program tackles urgent crises and debilitating hardships. This includes covering mental health services, addressing food insecurity, assisting with military-to-civilian transition, and - most critically - focusing on suicide prevention. For many, this support is the lifeline that prevents temporary hardships from spiraling into overwhelming burdens.
Every retreat, every immediate need fulfilled, and every transitioning service member aided is part of a larger mission to save lives, restore hope, and create bonds that heal.
Voices of Purpose
As CEO Kerry Irvin explains:
“What makes this mission so powerful is that it touches every part of life. We help warriors heal their minds and bodies, support families with essentials like food, housing, medical care, and counseling, and walk with them through the challenges of transition. When you see a warrior reconnect with their spouse or a caregiver finally exhale knowing they’re not alone, you understand the power of this mission. These aren’t temporary fixes - they’re investments in people who have already given so much. Together, we’re creating a legacy of resilience that ensures the sacrifices of our nation’s Special Operations community are honored not just today, but for generations to come.”
For founder Gary Markel, the mission is deeply personal - and a reflection of his community’s values:
“When Denise and I started OHF, it was with the strong desire to make a difference for those who’ve given everything for our country. One of the things that makes me so proud to be a resident of Naples is how my neighbors have stepped up in such a big way. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community – it happens in our community. This community has shown extraordinary generosity in welcoming these families and giving them the gift of healing. When you think of all these families sacrifice for us, not even knowing us, I feel championing for them and finding ways to help support their needs is the least I can do as an American.”
SOF and Their Caregivers Greatly Value the Support They Receive from OHS:
“Being alongside others who have walked this journey that is often difficult and by its very nature requires us to maintain a quietude that can bring about a deep sense of isolation has made a tremendous difference in my life and in my relationship with my wife and children. For the first time in a long time, we are connecting in a way that brings me hope that we will make it for the long haul.” M. Smith, U.S. Army Ranger
"As a military wife, life can feel overwhelming with solo parenting during deployments and endless trainings, loneliness, and the unique challenges this lifestyle brings. But at this retreat, I felt truly seen and acknowledged. OHF made me feel special, honoring the strength and sacrifices we make every day.” -A. Scott, SOF spouse
A Call to Action
The impact of OHF’s work is clear: stronger families, renewed resilience, and lives saved. Yet the demand continues to outpace resources. The organization already serves more than 3,500 individuals annually and has the homes and infrastructure to serve thousands more - but it needs the philanthropic support of the community to meet the growing need.
For residents of Naples, Marco Island, and beyond, the opportunity to make a meaningful difference is here. Whether by donating a home for a retreat, offering goods and services, or providing financial support, every act of generosity fuels OHF’s mission to restore lives and strengthen families. Together, we can ensure that America’s Quietest Professionals and their families receive the care, healing, and hope they deserve.
Please consider donating https://give.operationhealingforces.org/campaign/648962/donate or sponsoring https://operationhealingforces.org/sponsors/ today! Operation Healing Forces is honored to be one of only a select few organizations in the state approved as a designated charity under the Florida Strong Families Tax Credit program.
Who OHF Serves:
- All branches of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF)
- Wounded, ill, and injured SOF warriors
- SOF Veterans
- SOF Caregivers
- Gold Star Families of the Fallen
Core Programs:
- Therapeutic Retreats: Week-long healing experiences provided at no-cost to SOF couples & SOF caregivers that build connections and enhance resilience
- SOAR Immediate Needs Program: Crisis and hardship financial assistance for mental health, food insecurity, transition support, medical care, suicide prevention, and other essential needs
- Virtual Wellness Coaching: Mental, physical, and emotional resilience resources provided virtually in private sessions at no charge. This program is a stepping stone to mental health counseling, when there is a perceived stigma or other barrier to overcome
Current Need:
- 550+ SOF couples and dozens of caregivers on the retreat waitlist. Each weeklong retreat costs between $20K - $25K but is provided at no charge to SOF participants
- Homes and infrastructure ready, but funding is the limiting factor!