What Operation Healing Forces does

Operation Healing Forces (OHF), founded in 2011 by Gary and Denise Markel, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Tampa, Florida, that serves the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) community — active-duty, retired, and wounded service members from Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, Air Force Special Operations, and SOF support personnel — alongside their spouses, caregivers, and children. Its core product surface is organized around three delivery channels: (1) week-long Therapeutic Couples Retreats and Therapeutic Caregiver Retreats held at donated 5-bedroom properties worldwide, capped at 4-5 couples per retreat and led by retired SOF veterans and spouses; (2) the SOAR (Special Operations Additional Resource) program, which encompasses a 24-48-hour Immediate Needs Program for crisis financial assistance, holistic wellness coaching, and long-term family stabilization; and (3) a Transition Grant Program offering $500-$3,000 grants for certifications, equipment, relocation, and spouse education, complemented by an Alumni Program providing tax preparation, employment assistance, and peer connection.

The business model is fundraising-driven rather than commercial. Revenue streams include individual donations (with a recurring $15/month donor program), corporate partnerships and sponsorships (PODS, Delta Air Lines, Markel, Wounded Warrior Project, Airbnb.org, Tempur-Pedic, CVS Health, Black Rifle Coffee, Hagerty, Tampa Bay Lightning), Florida Strong Families Tax Credit (dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for corporate donors), stock donations, planned/legacy giving through the Legacy Society, and merchandise sales. The Board of Directors personally covers 100% of administrative and fundraising overhead, a structurally distinctive model that allows 100% of donations to reach programs and is a primary donor-acquisition differentiator. Distribution occurs through a self-serve website application portal, USSOCOM Care Coalition and Wounded Warrior Project referrals, donated retreat homes, and fundraising galas in Tampa, Chicago, and Richmond.

Operationally, OHF runs a small team (11-50 employees) headed by CEO Kerry Irvin (a nationally recognized military spouse advocate and three-time Military Spouse of the Year), COO Desiree Holley (former USSOCOM Warrior Care Program), and Chief Program Officer Chris Stowe (retired Marine EOD technician with 24 years of SOF service). The Board includes founders Gary L. Markel (Chairman) and Anthony F. Markel (Vice Chairman, Vice Chairman of Markel Corporation), Retired General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla (former CENTCOM Commander), and senior finance, consulting, and insurance executives. In 2025 the organization directed more than $4 million toward programs, conducted 55 therapeutic retreats serving 420 members, and issued 600 crisis support grants totaling $1 million, contributing to a cumulative 12,000+ individuals served and $32 million invested since founding.

Name

Operation Healing Forces

Legal name

Operation Healing Forces Inc.

Website

https://operationhealingforces.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Operation Healing Forces is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that delivers therapeutic retreats, crisis financial assistance, and wellness programs to U.S. Special Operations Forces service members, veterans, spouses, caregivers, and families, operating from Tampa with 100% of donations directed to programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran and Military Family Support Services

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rehabilitation & Recovery Retreats (Physio, Post-Op, Pain Management) (THAGAMAG), Bereavement, Grief & Family Support Services (Hospice-Linked) (HLAFAEAO)

Keywords

• Veteran support services
• Therapeutic retreats
• Military family programs
• Crisis financial assistance
• Special operations forces

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting SOF families, with recurring monthly donor program starting at $15/month
2. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships, event support, employee giving campaigns, and matching gift programs from corporate partners including PODS, Delta Air Lines, Markel, and others
3. Florida Strong Families Tax Credit: Corporate taxpayers can receive dollar-for-dollar credit against Florida taxes by making donations to OHF through the state-approved program
4. Stock Donations: Donors can contribute appreciated securities directly, potentially increasing net proceeds and maximizing tax deductions up to 30% of AGI for long-term holdings
5. Planned/Legacy Giving: Estate gifts through wills or trusts as part of Legacy Society program
6. Merchandise Sales: OHF merchandise shop with proceeds supporting programs

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Operation Healing Forces delivers week-long therapeutic retreats (couples and caregivers) and direct support programs for wounded, ill, and injured U.S. Special Operations Forces service members and their families. Core programs include the SOAR program (Immediate Needs Program for rapid crisis financial assistance, Holistic Wellness Support) and Transition Grants for career transition, all provided at no cost to qualifying SOF families and funded by charitable donations.

Product overview

Operation Healing Forces operates as a nonprofit organization offering a suite of programs supporting Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members, veterans, and their families. The core offerings include Therapeutic Couples Retreats and Therapeutic Caregiver Retreats (week-long programs held at donated properties), the SOAR (Special Operations Additional Resource) Program comprising the Immediate Needs Program for crisis support and Holistic Wellness Support, plus the Transition Grant Program for career assistance. Alumni Programs extend ongoing support to past participants. The organization hosts fundraising events including Evening of Honor and Impact galas in various cities. All programs are funded by donations with 100% of contributions directed to programs due to board-covered administrative costs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Therapeutic Couples Retreats
• Therapeutic Caregiver Retreats
• SOAR (Special Operations Additional Resource Program)
• Immediate Needs Program (INP)
• Holistic Wellness Support
• Transition Grant Program
• Alumni Programs

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PODS Enterprises, LLCcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 March 2026PODS partnered with OHF to provide moving and storage solutions for America's wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations Forces and their families. Partnership includes in-kind container donations to support recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs nationwide.
• The Amelia ConcoursminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 February 2026Partnership with The Amelia Concours, an automotive event in Florida scheduled for March 5-8, 2026. Partnership aims to raise awareness and support for wounded military members through event activities including Concours d'Elegance and Cars & Caffeine gathering.
• Stand Together FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2026OHF selected to join Stand Together Foundation's Catalyst Ignite program, a selective leadership and organizational development experience. OHF is one of 15 nonprofits chosen nationwide out of hundreds of applicants and joins a network of more than 350 social entrepreneurs across 1,300 communities.
• Johnson's Horsepowered GarageminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 January 2026OHF named beneficiary of Johnson's Horsepowered Garage collection being auctioned at Mecum Kissimmee 2026. All proceeds support OHF's programs for the SOF community. Auction runs January 6-18 at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, featuring approximately 4,500 vehicles.
• Retired General Michael 'Erik' KurillacoreOthers · 3 December 2025Former Commander of U.S. Central Command General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla joined OHF's Board of Directors, bringing extensive military leadership experience to support OHF's efforts on wounded and recovering U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel and families.
• Wounded Warrior ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnduring partnership instrumental in responding swiftly and compassionately in times of hardship or crisis within the special operations community. Wounded Warrior Project powers the Immediate Needs Program in part, providing critical assistance and fostering stability for post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and families.
• Delta Air LinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerDelta's support goes beyond travel - enabling OHF to help wounded warriors, families, and caregivers reconnect, rebuild, and find healing. Delta's compassion and commitment make a lasting difference in lives of SOF warriors and families.
• Markel CorporationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMarkel's long-standing partnership with OHF is rooted in shared commitment to service, resilience, and community. Markel co-founders Gary and Tony Markel have been instrumental in OHF's founding and continued support.
• Airbnb.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner donor providing lodging support for SOF families through charitable stays program.
• Tempur-PedicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHonor donor providing products for retreat comfort and SOF family support.
• Jockey InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated weighted blankets to support Special Operations Forces service members and veterans.
• Black Rifle Coffee CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHonor donor supporting SOF community through product donations.
• Tampa Bay LightningminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHonor donor and community partner supporting OHF mission.
• HagertyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDistinguished Service Donor and partner for automotive events.
• CVS HealthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDistinguished Service Donor supporting OHF programs.
• Hero MilesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgram providing airline miles to help military families travel for medical care and retreat attendance.
• U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Warrior Care ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted partner of USSOCOM Warrior Care Program. OHF fulfills urgent requests for support often within 24 hours as part of the Care Coalition network.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Gary Sinise Foundation: Large veteran-support nonprofit offering entertainment, therapy programs, and family support to wounded service members. Broad incumbent with overlapping family-resilience and adaptive home modifications offerings serving a similar military family beneficiary base.
• SOCOM Care Coalition: Government-run Care Coalition program providing support to wounded, ill, and injured SOF service members. OHF is a network partner fulfilling USSOCOM Care Coalition requests. Overlapping beneficiary base and complementary service delivery model.

Direct peers

• Marine Raider Foundation: Nonprofit supporting Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raiders and their families. Comparable mission and beneficiary population to OHF, with family support programs, crisis financial aid, and transition services for the SOF community.
• Green Beret Foundation: Nonprofit supporting Army Special Forces soldiers and their families through financial assistance, family support programs, and transition services. Courtney Bilyeu, a Tampa Co-Chair of Green Beret Foundation, previously worked with OHF, highlighting community overlap and comparable special operations focus.
• Navy SEAL Foundation: Nonprofit providing immediate and ongoing support to Naval Special Warfare service members, veterans, and their families. Overlaps with OHF on SOF family retreats, crisis financial assistance, and transition support for the special operations community.
• Wounded Warrior Project: Large-scale veteran service nonprofit that powers part of OHF's Immediate Needs Program. Directly comparable mission supporting post-9/11 wounded service members and families through direct financial assistance, mental health programming, and family support.
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation: Provides scholarship, financial, and family support to special operations personnel, including surviving family members of fallen operators. Directly comparable SOF community focus with overlapping family support and crisis financial assistance programming.

Emerging players

• Travis Manion Foundation: Veteran service nonprofit focused on character development, leadership programs, and veteran empowerment. Overlaps with OHF in veteran community support and family resilience programming, though focused more on empowerment and less on crisis stabilization.
• Dude Perfect / Team Never Quit: Veteran-founded nonprofit led by Marcus Luttrell providing retreats and outdoor experiences for wounded veterans, first responders, and their families. Most direct model overlap with OHF in delivering week-long therapeutic retreats specifically for SOF/wounded warrior couples and families.

Others

• Homes For Our Troops: Nonprofit building and donating specially adapted custom homes for severely wounded post-9/11 veterans. Complementary to OHF's adaptive home modifications program and shares the wounded warrior beneficiary base, though focused on housing rather than retreats.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/OperationHealingForces
• Instagraminstagram.com/operationhealingforces
• Xx.com/ohf_actual

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Operation Healing Forces