Geronimo in the Jungle, 1/5 Marines Reunite

1^st Battalion, 5^th Marine Regiment has participated in many major battles throughout U.S. history to include Belleau Wood in World War I; Guadalcanal and Peleliu in World War II; and Hue City in the Vietnam War. Their nickname “Geronimo” is a tribute to the legendary Apache warrior, reflecting his fearlessness in combat.  Today’s generation is no different and will be added to the history books with the same prestige as those that went before them for their bravery in the invasion of Iraq, Fallujah in 2004, and Ramadi in 2005. 

Last year during a reunion of 1/5 Marines in our nation’s capital, two previous participants of the Freedom Alliance Offshore Experience told their brothers-in-arms about our program and recruited other Marines who could use what we offer.  This month’s Offshore Experience saw our first of two events in 2026 that reunite those 1/5 Marines who sacrificed much during the first few years of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Of the five Marines who attended, four of them served one enlistment – but it was an enlistment that included several tough combat deployments.  Salvador R. had attended our Heroes Vacation at Los Sueños in 2019, and was the lead recruiter for the group.  Eric A. fought in Fallujah and in Ramadi.  Kham K. fought in three back-to-back deployments during his four-year enlistment and now works for the Veterans Administration.  Jorge G. also served on three back-to-back deployments and received the Purple Heart Medal for taking shrapnel to the face in 2004, but proudly states, “I was back out on patrol 2 days later.”  Gunnery Sergeant Joey Z. served 22 years and in addition to the deployments in Iraq, also served in Helmand Province in Afghanistan where the unit’s motto of “Make Peace or Die” was born.  And although these Marines still keep in contact, this week in Costa Rica for the Offshore Experience would see those bonds strengthen.

Upon arriving in Costa Rica to the world-class Los Sueños Resort, the men settled into two donated condos from Gerald & Virginia Lindholm and an anonymous donor.  Grupo Montecristo, owned by the Durmans of Costa Rica, donated two golf carts for the group. Throughout the week, we dined mostly at Los Sueños Resort’s restaurants, supported by deep discounts.  Knowing that most everything they experienced during the week was either donated or supported financially sent a message of support and gratitude.

On their second day in the country, Mr. Myles Reis donated a fishing day on his brand-new 58’ Viking yacht “MAYA”, which had been delivered just weeks prior.  Captain Bobby Memmen was at the helm, chasing down elusive billfish.  Two deckhands worked hard for the group despite the slow day, and our first sailfish went to Jorge, who was celebrating his birthday.  Around mid-day, we hooked into a double, releasing two more sails.  The afternoon slowed down even more, and so the men enjoyed the comforts of this beautiful yacht while catching up on life.

The following afternoon, we scheduled a river boat tour of the Tarcoles River with Jose’s Crocodile River Tour.  Jose Eduardo, owner of the tour, has worked with Freedom Alliance since our first event in 2013 and his tour is a must-see excursion for tourists visiting the area.  Jose’s tour keeps the participants learning by infusing knowledge with a treasure trove of puns and jokes.  Birds, lizards, and crocodiles infest this unique river.  And each tour offers the opportunity to get up-close to the crocodiles! 

We started the fourth day with an ATV tour through the countryside about 30 minutes south of the resort.  The adventure took us along paved and dirt roads, through rural areas and tiny pueblos.  We stopped for a quick and cooling dip at a cascading waterfall before heading to El Tigre restaurant for genuine Costa Rican fare.  It was a five-hour adventure and as we departed, our smiles were big and a little dusty.

The next morning, we headed to Rainmaker Conservation Park near Parrita, a little over an hour away from Los Sueños.  Mick, the owner, graciously donated the entrance fees, saying, “the veterans are always welcome at Rainmaker – they are the living embodiment of freedom and eternal vigilance.”  Rainmaker is a self-guided loop along a well-maintained path through the rainforest jungle that includes suspension bridges along the canopy and several waterfalls and swimming holes.  We heard toucans calling out, saw multiple lizards, and even found a poison dart frog!  Unlike some of the other groups that see the trail as something to accomplish, this group was challenged to take their time, be present, and enjoy the experience…and they did not disappoint: laughing, joking, taking group photos…we made great memories before heading back to Los Sueños for our final time in group discussions.

Throughout the week, we held structured group sessions on carrying the burdens of combat.  Our workbook contains five group sessions focused on topics like warriorhood as a pathway for life, identity, moral wounding, survivor’s guilt, and practical tools to help balance the mental load veterans endure after war.  The discussions were created with the help of author and psychotherapist Dr. Edward Tick and zero-in on issues rarely discussed but often felt by those who have experienced combat.  The goal is to bring awareness and understanding to the many emotional and physical symptoms that hinder warriors after leaving the military.

After returning home, one veteran wrote a thank-you message that included the following:  “It was more than I ever could have expected, and I truly loved every single moment of it. The classes, especially, stayed with me—they were powerful, meaningful, and honestly the most impactful part of the entire experience.” 

Sal wrote: “We are deeply appreciative of Freedom Alliance for having us! Thank You for equipping us with these tools you provided with this trip that strengthened us and let us sharpen-in our blades as we return to battle once we depart.”