friday, 6 September 2024
A diverse group of veterans from across the United States has gathered for an intensive week-long retreat in the stunning Bahamas, kicking off their journey in Nassau. Despite it being hurricane season, all participants arrived safely, and their luggage followed suit, setting a positive tone for the week ahead.
Upon landing, participants checked into the Towne Hotel, met ‘Max’ - the resident Macaw Parrot, and took a moment to relax after their long flights. After settling in, many took the opportunity to explore the local area. The Straw Market, a bustling hub filled with colorful souvenirs, such as carved sharks and seahorse salt and pepper shakers, handcrafted by local artisans is a great place to find gifts for the family and friends back home. Participants enjoy browsing the unique offerings, from handmade jewelry to traditional Bahamian crafts, a perfect way to immerse themselves in the local culture. A visit to the famous candy shop provided a sweet treat and a chance for lighthearted conversations, further breaking the ice among the group. Some veterans had flown just a couple of hours, while others had endured overnight journeys, making these initial moments of relaxation and exploration even more cherished.
Friday night marks a significant moment in the retreat as staff and participants gathered for introductions. This session is designed not just for logistics but to foster connection. “Staff Facts” and shared with the group including fun and personal tidbits that help participants get to know their facilitators better. The informal atmosphere encourages questions about the upcoming retreat, allowing veterans to express their hopes and any concerns they might have.
With the first night winding down, a sense of excitement filled the air. The veterans were not just ready for a retreat; they were on the brink of a journey toward healing, connection, and personal growth. As they prepared for the adventures that lay ahead, it was clear that this week would be about much more than relaxation—it would be about putting in the hard work towards recovery, forging lasting bonds, and rediscovering their strengths together in the serene beauty of the Bahamas.
saturday, 7 September 2024
As the sun rises over Nassau on this stunning Saturday morning, our team springs to life with palpable excitement, ready to set up aboard the Morning Star for our 17th retreat! The air buzzes with enthusiasm and a hint of nervous energy as we gear up for the incredible day ahead. With years of experience fueling us, we’re confident in our roles and the tasks before us, but there’s a thrilling urgency as we finalize every detail. We can’t wait to breathe easy once everyone is onboard and the lines are cast off.
A few staff members race to the dock early, while others savor breakfast at the hotel, seizing this moment to forge connections with our Valkyries. It’s heartwarming to see participants already bonding, with some discovering they knew each other before this adventure even began.
The arrival of our Valkyries at the dock is always a memorable moment. While excitement runs high, some participants express a bit of apprehension about spending a week at sea, unsure of what awaits them. We work tirelessly to ensure everyone feels welcome as we guide them through the boarding process and prepare for our journey to the Exumas. There’s paperwork to tackle, bunk assignments to finalize, gear to distribute, certifications to verify, and of course, lunch—all before we can set sail into the open water!
Before we leave the harbor, we gather the group to address a few misconceptions. One crucial point is that our program—or any program—cannot completely heal a participant. While many share common threads in their traumas, each experience is uniquely personal, just like the journey ahead.
Though participants will receive more counseling in this one transformative week than many traditional programs offer in six months, we cannot revert anyone to who they were before their trauma. Instead, our program is crafted as a pivotal turning point for those eager to change their current trajectory, and we’re here to help them do that. We lay the groundwork for even a small course correction, leading to significant change over time. We’ll dive into challenging concepts and tough discussions, inviting participants to rethink their understanding of trauma. If they can embrace the process and open their hearts for just one week, we promise their lives can be forever changed.
Once everyone is safely onboard, we kick off with crew and staff introductions and conduct safety briefings before we set off from Nassau harbor. As we power across the Yellow Bank toward the Exuma Cays, Chaps leads a heartfelt prayer for the group’s success, a safe week at sea, and the formation of genuine connections among participants. With open hearts and minds, they embark on yet another voyage of healing for the “Mind, Body, & Soul”....
sunday, 8 September 2024
Today was a profound day of learning and discovery. I came to understand that even David, a figure we often revere, carried a moral injury from slaying Goliath. This realization struck a chord with me: I am not broken. I’ve done something noble, and that fills me with hope and optimism. Moving forward, I want to remember that I can confront our enemies without resorting to slaughter. My goal is to strive to be a Godly man, consistently and purposefully.
Amid this reflection, I experienced an exhilarating adventure: we dove on a submerged drug smuggler’s plane that had crashed. The thrill of exploring that wreck was surreal! I watched as a crew member speared a lobster, and I got to experience my first swim-through. Seeing a group of divers attempting their first negative entry was incredible, too. Each moment was filled with excitement, reminding me of the healing power of this journey.
Yet, with all this excitement, I know I need to ground myself. I have to own my mistakes and acknowledge that I make them. If I trust that mistakes lead to learning, I must embrace the confidence to keep trying. I can accomplish this by sticking to a routine, maintaining constant communication, reminding myself of the truths in every situation, accepting that I’m not perfect, finding my tribe, and taking responsibility for my actions.
Today, I witnessed a group of troubled men beginning this journey together. We all have our faults and face difficult days, but the comforting realization is that we are not alone. I felt this sacred trust envelop us, bringing me a deep sense of peace and optimism. I want to use this experience to build a better life for myself, my family, and my community. I will focus on being mindful and present, actively participating in my healing. Strengthening my soul through my faith and daily devotionals is essential, and I’m committed to continuing my diving journey. I hope to encourage more Veterans like me to embrace scuba diving or other adaptive sports to build physical strength.
As we embark on this retreat, I’m filled with a mix of apprehension and excitement about what lies ahead. My hope is that I’ll emerge from this experience as a better person, equipped with the skills to cope with my challenges and addictions, and feeling comfortable within my new tribe.
monday, 9 September 2024
Today was a truly powerful experience as I witnessed the honesty and vulnerability of our group. Learning about “moral injury” resonated deeply with me, as it perfectly encapsulates what I’ve been feeling. This concept opened my eyes to the deep wounds we carry when our actions conflict with our personal ethics—whether through commission, omission, or betrayal. It’s a reminder of how subjective and personal this experience can be; it’s not something someone else can diagnose. Just like physical injuries, each of us has our own unique path to healing.
The lesson about David and his struggles with moral injury highlighted the weight this type of injury can carry on our hearts. For a long time, I’ve grappled with finding the right language to express my feelings, especially that quiet doubt about whether I made the right decisions when it mattered most. Today’s discussion helped me articulate the weight I carry and brought clarity to both my past and present struggles. Moving forward, I want to adopt a value-driven approach when facing difficult choices and when my past resurfaces. I now understand that, unlike physical pain, moral injuries can be insidious, lurking beneath the surface. It’s essential to give myself compassion and grace during those stumbling moments. I’ll take inspiration from David’s story, reminding myself that even the strongest hearts are tested, and true healing comes when we confront our faults with humility and faith.
In addition to these insights, I’m filled with hope for the future and eager to use this understanding to cultivate gratitude when I start to feel down. I know I’ll look back on this journey with complete joy, cherishing the lessons I’ve learned, the breathtaking dive sites I’ve explored, and the incredible friendships I’ve formed. Speaking of amazing experiences, today’s shepherd’s pie was delicious! Plus, I saw my very first octopus! These moments remind me of the clarity I’ve gained, and I’m excited to face my biggest challenges head-on. I realize I need to focus on healing myself first, and I feel like I’m so close to turning things around. I’m truly grateful for the chance to be present with this group; sharing something I’ve never voiced before felt liberating. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and my family, and I’ll always be thankful to DSV for this opportunity.
As the days go by, everyone is becoming more comfortable, and the conversations are flowing freely. I want to take these uplifting moments and replicate this supportive environment back home. I plan to seek out local groups that share my interests so I can continue these meaningful conversations and connections as I heal.
While I did feel a bit disappointed in myself for getting disoriented on my night dive, I recognize that I need to improve my navigation skills.
Here’s to the journey ahead!
tuesday, 10 September 2024
Today was absolutely AMAZING! We encountered a massive cage that honestly looked like a spaceship that had crashed into the ocean, and we spotted several sharks, including a magnificent tiger shark! I feel incredibly thankful and blessed to know that I’m not alone in my struggles; I have this wonderful tribe to lean on as I move forward. This experience is helping me make that crucial 1-degree course correction, and over the past couple of days, I’ve truly felt happiness. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.
Initially, I was nervous and apprehensive about attending this retreat, especially since I only had five dives under my belt and feared I would be the “weak link.” But I’ve never felt safer, more welcomed, or more loved than with this group of Valkyries. Just like underwater, life throws unexpected challenges our way that we might not see coming or may misjudge. Those moments can quickly turn devastating, especially when you’re trying to navigate them alone. However, having people looking out for you and guiding you makes all the difference. This week, I’ve found those people—exactly the support I needed in my life.
I’ve been struggling with my relationships with God, my kids, and my wife, but I feel hopeful that I can start to mend those bonds. Thank you, DSV, for this once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing, course-correcting experience. I love each and every one of you! The days out here on the water are beautiful, and the peace and fellowship have been nothing short of amazing. I’ve felt a mix of nerves and excitement about the new things I’m encountering, and I want to better myself by being mindful.
To that end, I plan to seek out new tribes and communicate honestly about my mental state, feelings, goals, concerns, and accomplishments. Checking in with my wife for accountability—sharing both my successes and setbacks—will be essential. I also need to be more aware of my triggers and how to control my reactions, focusing on having real conversations with loved ones, especially those I may have hurt. I’m determined to STOP the self-destructive behaviors that have held me back and to recognize those patterns to change course.
Setting new goals and correcting harmful habits is a priority for me. I want to live a more meaningful life, allowing my wife to be my sounding board and calling me out when I slip back into bad habits. I plan to return to counseling and explore treatment options that will help me become my best self. Living in the now—not the past—is my new mantra. My goal is to incorporate what I love into my recovery and make time for activities that center me and help me recharge. I WILL be a better Christian, husband, father, friend, and neighbor.
