For the last 20+ years, the men and women of our Special Operations Forces (SOF) have been immersed in high stakes and high-risk operations across the world. Though declared combat operations have ceased, they continue to operate in the shadows out of the public eye. These quiet professionals continue to put themselves in harms way in defense of our great nation—with the majority of what they do unreported and unknown to the general public.

Gulf Coast Valor (GCV) was founded with a mission of taking a proactive approach to enhance the physical and mental well-being and resilience of active-duty SOF personnel with a focus on decompression through recreation and fellowship. The idea for Gulf Coast Valor came when the founder had the opportunity to attend a similar program in the restorative nature of the Montana wilderness near the end of his career.

It was during his time in the Montana countryside that he began to unburden himself from the toll of years of intensive training, deployments, high stress/high risk operations, and time away from his family. The support he received from the other participants and the relationships formed helped begin his healing journey which continues today.

Much like Montana, the Gulf Coast of Florida provides some of the most serene and peaceful landscapes where time on and around the water can help recipients rest and recharge. Here, participants have the opportunity to decompress, forge relationships, and return home a better version of themselves for their families, their units, and a grateful nation.