Our mission

We help veterans come home — not just from deployment, but back to themselves.

Why We Exist
Too many veterans come home carrying weight no one can see. The Veteran Wellness Retreats exist to lift some of it — to give veterans a place to learn valuable skills, relax, laugh, and reconnect with the kind of brotherhood and purpose that doesn't end when the uniform comes off. We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Stuart, Virginia, and everything we do serves one goal: veterans' mental health and wellness!

Our Story
Most people think you have to pick a side. The warrior or the peacemaker. The fighter or the lover. I am both. 

I spent 10 years as a Navy SEAL with multiple combat deployments. I'm a first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a Pro MMA fighter and like most Combat Veterans I have dealt with PTSD. One of the biggest things I deal with is being hyper vigilant, especially in crowded areas, it can be very hard to relax. But being capable of not only defending myself, but everyone around me brings me a great deal of peace! But just because I have had training in my military carrier doesn't mean I'm going to be good forever. Combat skills are just like any other skill, use 'em or lose 'em! 

I have found being surrounded by animals and connecting with nature to be extremely healing. I have brought many of my fellow combat veterans to my property and watched their anxiety vanish. They relax, smile, laugh and being to heal as well.    

I built these retreats to help other veterans to experience some peace through learning valuable skills in a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by good, likeminded people who truly care about and support them!

— Mitch Aguiar, Founder

Who It's For
Combat veterans attend free — always! We also welcome civilians who want the experience and want to stand behind the mission and connect with our countries Combat Veterans! Your contribution directly funds veteran spots and keeps the retreats running and we couldn't be more appreciative for your support!