22 veteran suicides a day is 22 too many.

Let’s come together and bring friendships and healing to our veterans.

Operation Cherrybend is a 5 day event welcoming combat wounded veterans. This event brings together people who would otherwise never have met and forms a network of support and friendships. Through music, adventure, fellowship—this is where the healing begins.

Retreat Week Agenda
September 15 – 20, 2026

Tuesday Afternoon
Arrival – Registration

Wednesday
Opening Ceremony
Team Assignments & Group Activities
Campfire with Songwriters

Thursday Morning
Dove Hunting – Early Morning

Thursday Evening
Horseback Riding
Knife Kit Assembly
Campfire with Songwriters

Friday Morning
Dove Hunting – Early Morning
Skydiving
-or-
Hunting, Cornhole, Hiking, Shooting or Horse Wrangler Camp

Friday Afternoon
School Visit
Veteran Group Picture

Friday Evening
Concert for the Heroes
* Live Auction * Silent Auction * Food Trucks *
Featuring: TBD
plus an army of songwriters and musicians:
Musicians TBD

Saturday
Dove Hunting – Early Morning
All Day Shooting Tournament

Saturday Evening
Awards and Fellowship Evening
Group Activity
Campfire with Songwriters

Sunday Morning
Closing Ceremony and Departure

Every year the Operation Cherrybend 100% volunteer Team organizes and executes a major event. This 5 day long event pulls together the community and its veterans to help facilitate the stay and entertainment of up to 45 combat wounded veterans. The intent is to bring together like-minded people to form a community that helps those that are struggling and to expand their network of support through fellowship.

Through adventure, music and community—that is exactly what is happening. This network is growing as the alumni list runs deep. These veterans are all now connected for resources including: physical & emotional support, and new friendships from people who just “get it”. And, are welcome in a community who accepts them as they are, scars and all. Inside and out.