OPERATION PATRIOTS FOB INC

Operation Patriots FOB exists to combat veteran and first responder suicide by restoring connection, purpose, and healing. Through trauma‑informed, peer‑driven, and family‑inclusive programs, OPFOB provides a safe haven where those who serve can rediscover hope and resilience.

Organizational History
Founded in 2019 by USMC veteran Roy Brown Jr. and his wife Stephanie after losing five battle buddies to suicide, OPFOB was born from a deeply personal commitment to prevent further loss. In 2020, the organization opened its 268‑acre retreat in Ridgeland, South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Since then, OPFOB has hosted over 42,000 visits, with no local participant dying by suicide after engaging with its programs.

Core Programs
Peer Engagement & Connection At the heart of OPFOB is peer‑to‑peer support. Veterans and first responders connect with others who share their lived experiences, fostering trust, accountability, and belonging. These relationships reduce stigma and create a foundation for long‑term healing.

Outdoor Recreational Therapy The campus offers hunting, fishing, hiking, archery, and campfire fellowship. These nature‑based activities promote emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and provide a non‑clinical setting for decompression and connection.

Peer‑to‑Peer Retreats Structured retreats bring small groups together for immersive, multi‑day experiences focused on healing, skill‑building, and post‑traumatic growth. Led by peers, these retreats offer a safe space to process trauma and rediscover purpose.

Service Dog Program, OPFOB provides veterans and first responders with trained service dogs and handler education. These dogs support emotional stability, mobility, and daily functioning—enhancing independence and quality of life.

Family Retreats – Rest, Reconnect, Recharge Designed to strengthen family bonds strained by service‑related trauma, these retreats offer shared outdoor experiences and facilitated dialogue. Families reconnect, build resilience, and heal together.

Post‑Traumatic Growth – Challenge Accepted This program reframes trauma as a catalyst for growth. Participants engage in physical and mental challenges that build confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity beyond their service.

Wellness & Resource Center (Launching 2026) A new facility will expand OPFOB’s reach by offering on‑site peer support, wellness workshops, and navigation to local resources—bridging the gap between clinical care and community‑based healing.

Impact & Outcomes
Over 45,000 visits since opening in 2020.

Zero local suicides among participants after engagement with OPFOB programs.

Recognized with a 4‑Star Charity Navigator rating and Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.

Scalable and replicable model rooted in lived experience and community‑powered recovery.

Vision for the Future
Capital Campaign: Wellness and Resource Center and Service Dog Kennel

Program Expansion: Embedding new modules such as the Service Dog program and specialized retreats.

Facilities Growth: Beginning construction of new facilities to meet rising demand.

Community Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with nonprofits, mental health providers, and veteran service organizations.

Advocacy & Leadership: Establishing OPFOB as a regional leader in veteran and first responder wellness.

Why OPFOB Matters
Isolation kills. Connection saves. OPFOB is more than a retreat—it is a lifeline. By combining peer support, outdoor therapy, family inclusion, and innovative wellness programming, OPFOB creates a holistic environment where veterans and first responders can heal, grow, and thrive. Every donor, partner, and volunteer plays a vital role in ensuring that those who serve our communities and nation are never alone in their journey.