For many combat veterans, isolation can be an easy way to escape the trauma of their war experience. However, not only does that trauma rot inside them, the communities they served and protected are deprived of members who truly know the costs of war. And the grateful Americans who wish to show their appreciation are at a loss of how to show it.
Through the Freedom Alliance Offshore Experience, veterans are not only given a memorable time participating in adventures that make life-time memories, they are exposed to members of the Los Sueños Resort community who allow Freedom Alliance to be the bridge to give our veterans much-needed encouragement, guidance, and love. This month, though, many of those who support are program were present to speak their gratitude face-to-face and give tangible expressions of support during the week.
Three Marines and two soldiers attended the Offshore Experience in February. Two of the Marines, Eric P. and Sean F. had served together in Iraq in 2004 were thrilled to learn one of the Army veterans, Rob A., had also served in the same area of Iraq, during the same timeframe. Jason L. served 21 years in the Marines and had recommended Rob for the group. Rob and Jason had met during a charitable event years ago and remained friends. Eddie D., served 20 years in the Army and deployed to Iraq (including the invasion in 2003) and Afghanistan. Jason commented the first night that it already felt like they had all served together. Group cohesion and camaraderie is an early indicator of how successful the group will be.
The five combat veterans arrived from cities all over the United States to include Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Florida. They were hosted in condos graciously donated by William Mahaffey and Danny Esterline, and Gerald and Virginia Lindholm. The Lindholms were the first supporters they met, hosting a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the Marina Village at Los Sueños Resort. The Lindholms, who invited Freedom Alliance to host our first international event in Costa Rica in 2013, shared their love of country during the dinner.
Our transportation for the week was donated by the Durman family of Costa Rica and their golf cart rental company Grupo Montecristo.
The next day, the men traveled about an hour south of the resort to Rain Maker Nature Preserve – one of our favorite activities. At the entrance to the park, they met the owner Mick – an American who lived most of his life in Costa Rica; giving up the rat-race of politics in Washington, DC, in trade for a more tranquil lifestyle. When Mick learned the group was all veterans, he quickly crossed out the invoice and said it was his pleasure to host the men without charge in gratitude for the freedom he enjoys. You see, Costa Rica doesn’t have a military and is protected through a treaty with the US that states as long as they remain a democracy, the US will protect their country.
The men got to know each other better during the hour-and-a-half excursion that involved navigating suspension bridges high in the jungle canopy and swimming in the various water holes among waterfalls and jungle foilage. On the ride home, it was evident Costa Rica was taking hold of them.
After the hike, we began our first of seven group sessions on how to carry the burdens from war.
That night, the Lindholms hosted another meal at the sushi restaurant “Bambu” that overlooks the marina. They invited other supporters of the program, like Wallis Higginbotham, Jim Kitchell, and Captain John LaGrone. Many of the guests relayed stories of past groups they’ve helped while getting to know this group.
The following day at breakfast, we ran into Andrew Shapiro and his group visiting Costa Rica. Andy supports the program through meal donations and use of his boat whenever we ask. However, his guest George Apsley, a Vietnam veteran volunteered to pay for the breakfast charges. The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent back in the condo conducting our group sessions. We broke up the class to enjoy a sunset tour on Costa Cat III, the newest edition to Costa Cat Cruises. The CCIII is a catamaran tour of the coastline and anchors out at one of the secluded beaches just north of the resort. The activities included jumping from the platform into the warm Pacific waters, lounging on the boat, and sliding down the water slide from the boat into the ocean.
The next day we began the activity that gives the program its name: offshore fishing. At breakfast, another patron saw the veteran group and anonymously paid for the meal. However, we caught the culprit, Matt Maurer, and one of the Marines gave him a challenge coin as a gift for his generosity. We were off to a good start.
Then we headed to the marina and were greeted by boat owner/operator Mike Winget on his 74’ Hatteras “Karie Marie”. Gerald & Virginia Lindholm joined the group for the trip, as they were the ones to introduce Mike to Freedom Alliance years ago. They were celebrating 32 years of marriage that day and said they couldn’t be happier to spend their special day with those who fought for our freedoms.
Mike was thrilled to have the men onboard and we caught our first fish within thirty minutes of reaching the fishing grounds. For most of the group, this was their first experience catching billfish and there wasn’t a dull moment. Nevertheless, they looked like veteran fishermen thanks to our apparel sponsors Tunaskin and Anetik. And they could truly see all the action thanks to our friends at Hook Optics that give a pair of polarized sunglasses to each veteran participating in the program. By the end of the day, we caught nine sailfish.
The next day, as the men ate breakfast, we were joined by Butch Kross – a New Jersey native who drops by to cover our breakfast charges on occasion. Butch himself is a veteran, and we invited him to join us.
Owners Ed & Valerie Dunn donated a fishing day on their 64’ Spencer yacht “D.A.Sea”. Although they weren’t available to ride-along, their captain and crew took great care of the group. Captain Climaco Rodriguez put us on a few sailfish before making a move…a move that resulted in back-to-back blue marlin releases! In all, we caught six sailfish and two marlin for an epic day in Costa Rica.
That evening, we gathered at a beachfront restaurant with supporter Andrew Shapiro, his guests, and the Lindholms. The veterans spread out among the group to engage with grateful Americans seated all around them. Although, such an experience might be overwhelming for veterans, it was apparent the men were comforted by the admiration and love shown to them around the room. During the meal, Valerie Dunn happened by and was introduced to the men she had treated earlier that day on D.A.Sea. She was overwhelmed when they presented her with military memorabilia, sharing that her family has a long history of military service.
We ended the night with our final sessions and gifts for the participants.
Rob wrote on Greatnonprofits.com: “I recently had the privilege of attending Offshore Experience with Freedom Alliance, and I can confidently say it was one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences of my life. This program is more than just a week of fishing—it’s a much-needed opportunity for combat veterans to reconnect, heal, and find camaraderie with brothers who truly understand the journey we’ve been through.
From the moment we arrived, the organization and hospitality were second to none. Every detail was carefully planned to ensure we could fully immerse ourselves in the experience, free from everyday stress. The fishing itself was phenomenal—nothing beats being out on the open water, feeling that adrenaline rush when you hook a big one, and sharing those moments with fellow vets. But what made this experience truly special were the bonds we formed, the laughter we shared, and the stories we exchanged.
A huge shoutout to Pepper, the best program coordinator out there. His dedication, energy, and passion for this mission were evident in everything he did. He made sure every veteran felt welcome, valued, and appreciated, and his leadership played a huge role in making this event a success.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible donors who support this program. Your generosity gives combat veterans an experience that goes beyond fishing—it provides healing, purpose, and a reminder that we are not alone. From all of us who had the honor of participating, thank you for making this possible.
If you’re a combat veteran looking for an experience that will leave you refreshed, connected, and grateful, I can’t recommend Offshore Experience with Freedom Alliance enough. It’s not just a trip; it’s a life-changing event.”
Eric wrote: “I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience I had with the offshore adventure you organized. The trip was far more than just a break from the daily routine; it was a transformative experience that provided healing, connection, and a sense of camaraderie that I had been searching for.
As a combat veteran living with PTSD, it’s often difficult to describe how isolating this journey can feel. However, the time spent with other veterans who truly understood what I’ve been through was nothing short of life-changing. Bonding with fellow veterans who shared similar struggles created an environment where I could open up in ways I never thought possible. The sense of unity and shared understanding was so powerful.
The experience on the water, the freedom of the open seas, and the opportunity to focus on something other than the weight of our pasts was a much-needed reset. I can honestly say that I returned from the trip feeling rejuvenated, more at peace with myself, and more connected to those around me. It has shown me the power of veterans coming together in a safe, supportive, and healing environment.
Thank you, Freedom Alliance, for providing this invaluable experience. Your commitment to helping veterans like myself is truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate. This adventure has helped me rediscover parts of myself that I thought I had lost, and I will carry the memories and connections made with me for years to come.”
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