“The hugs, puppies, feeling included by the staff and the genuine connection and care.

It’s a chance to reflect, take a break and unwind. Hopefully make lasting friendships.

Veteran focused, something new and it was an adventure and part of my healing journey.

Give it a chance, you may find yourself in the journey... or covid haha!”

“What I like most about Charlie Mike is the genuine hearts and intent. Chad and Tori are wonderful human beings that truly care for others and have devoted their life and efforts to helping Veterans. As I was retiring/transitioning from the Army CM gave me a place to be myself and unwind, being at their basecamp in Idaho was exactly the setting I needed to sort things out and spend time with others with like experiences. I can’t say enough about CM and their mission to help Veterans, great organizations, led by great people! I made some lifelong friends at CM, even though I don’t get to see them much.

It’s always iffy when talking to someone that hasn’t made their mind up about what they want to accept when in need of something. For those out there that are in that category, I would definitely recommend CM as a place to go and reset. If you are reading this and not sure about what place can help you by providing an outdoor experience and great company, be sure that CM is there for you. Let Chad and Tori assist by getting you into nature and disconnecting for a few days to unwind.

If my best friend asked me about CM, I would say that they gave me a place to be when I needed it most, and that Chad and Tori + Kodi and Cooper are great people that care about the wellness of others, Veterans especially! I would recommend CM and encourage them to seek out opportunities.

To say why I chose CM is a story in itself. I was on a Veteran elk hunt sponsored by HAVA and the Vermejo Park Ranch in October 2019. That’s when I met two scraggly Soldiers, Chad and Johnny. Turns out Chad became my hunting battle on that trip and we just clicked, I guess. Once I got to know him and he shared that he and his wife Tori owned a Veteran non-profit (CM), I knew I had to check it out. There are many Veteran NPs around, Wounded Warrior, Staurolite, HAVA, and others, they have a vast number of resources, but what they didn’t have for me was that close personal connection. That genuine spirit that reaches out to you and you know it’s real. That’s the difference, that’s why I’ll choose CM over others. Now that said, other Veteran NPs have different missions, but for the ones similar to CM, there’s no contest in my opinion.”

“I came to the Charlie.Mike ladies retreat not knowing what to expect, as I had never been on a retreat before. I told myself to keep an open mind and just go with the flow. Sometimes I struggle with relaxing and getting comfortable around people I don’t know and I get anxiety from traveling far from home.

That being said, this retreat was one of the best experiences I have ever shared with other women vets. I am so grateful that I was able to participate. It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the retreat… everything was thought out and planned so perfectly by the staff, who by the way, were some of the most incredibly generous and compassionate women I have ever met.

The vibe was relaxing and stress free.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the events that were planned; between the zip lining, massages, camp fires, delicious food, hot springs, animal and art therapy’s, yoga, and meditation, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed going back home.

Perhaps my favorite part was the human connections that were made. We all have new friends now all over the country that we can call and talk to who have shared similar experiences, will listen, can relate, and understand.

It’s a pretty special thing what Charlie.Mike is doing for veterans. Providing a safe space for raw emotions, memories, and personal experiences to be shared free of judgment while also creating opportunities to get out of comfort zones and try new activities to help ease the pain or discomfort of some of those experiences and memories. I have a whole new bucket full of healing memories and stories from this retreat with Charlie.Mike to share with others and I can’t stop talking about it.

It was truly a blessing to have been able to participate and I hope to be back someday. Thank you Charlie.Mike!
”

“My favorite part of Charlie Mike was the ability to, exclusively, hang out with other female veterans in a relaxed environment.

I would recommend Charlie Mike because when they say it’s life changing, they ain’t bullshitting.

I already have recommended Charlie Mike to my best friend! Because it’s the bomb! Because we NEED to do these things for ourselves, that our mental and physical health IS important, and we HAVE TO take care of ourselves. Now. Take the opportunity that has been granted to you, in recognition of your service.

TBH... I was a last minute addition, and I didn’t have any thing else going on that weekend, but I’m glad I did. ”