Operation Second Chance

Operation Second Chance Helping Heroes Move On. Benefiting wounded, injured and ill Veterans.

We've provided over $18.5 M in emergency financial assistance and morale activities to over 14,000 Veterans and family members since inception.

⏳ Only a Few Spots Remain! ❤️🐴When was the last time you and your spouse truly had time to slow down… breathe… and recon...
08/31/2026

⏳ Only a Few Spots Remain! ❤️🐴

When was the last time you and your spouse truly had time to slow down… breathe… and reconnect?

The demands of military service, injuries, caregiving, work, and everyday life can take a toll on even the strongest relationships. Sometimes, the best way forward is simply taking time away—together.

Operation Second Chance has only a few openings left for our Couples Health & Wellness Retreat at Heroes Ridge!

📅 September 10–13

This special retreat is designed for wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their spouses to step away from the stress of daily life and focus on healing, wellness, and each other.

Throughout the weekend, couples will experience:
🐴 Equine-assisted wellness activities
💆 Reiki and reflexology sessions
🌿 Relaxation and mindfulness
🥾 Peaceful time in nature
❤️ Opportunities to reconnect, communicate, and strengthen your relationship
🔥 Campfires, laughter, meaningful conversations, and time to simply be together

Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains overlooking Gettysburg, Heroes Ridge offers a peaceful setting where healing happens naturally and lasting memories are made.

These retreats fill quickly, and only a handful of spaces remain. If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time.

📩 Contact Operation Second Chance today to learn more or reserve your spot.

Your service has asked so much of you. This weekend is about investing in your health, your relationship, and your future—together. 🇺🇸❤️

Today we wrapped up a truly special Gold Star Mothers Retreat at Heroes Ridge.These remarkable women have endured a loss...
08/30/2026

Today we wrapped up a truly special Gold Star Mothers Retreat at Heroes Ridge.

These remarkable women have endured a loss that few can imagine, yet they continue to inspire us with their strength, courage, and grace. It was an honor to spend the weekend alongside them.

Throughout the retreat, they experienced moments of healing, connection, and renewal. They enjoyed Reiki and reflexology with Laura, rode horses, learned to rope like true cowgirls with Greg’s patient instruction, took a beautiful horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic Gettysburg battlefield, shared lunch at the iconic Dobbin House, gathered around the fire pit, and found quiet moments of reflection while walking the labyrinth at Heroes Ridge.

Sometimes healing isn’t found in grand gestures, but in the simple gift of being together, sharing stories, finding peace in nature, and knowing you are surrounded by people who understand.

To our Gold Star Mothers: thank you for allowing us to walk beside you for a few days. Your love for your children, your resilience, and your unwavering strength leave an imprint on all of us.

From all of us at Operation Second Chance and Heroes Ridge, we hope you left feeling renewed, supported, and knowing that your heroes—and you—will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸❤️

As always, we thank Lisa and our our wonderful volunteers for their unwavering dedication to serving. We couldn’t do it without you. And to our donors - THANK YOU for supporting OSC!

On Wednesday during Horse Connection, we explored the difference between what we are capable of carrying and what we are...
08/30/2026

On Wednesday during Horse Connection, we explored the difference between what we are capable of carrying and what we are actually responsible for carrying.

So often, we take on burdens simply because we know we can. But strength doesn’t mean we have to carry everything.

The horses have a remarkable way of helping us recognize when it’s time to set something down, to release the weight of expectations, guilt, or responsibilities that no longer belong to us. In doing so, we create space for peace, healing, and the things that truly matter.

Sometimes the strongest thing we can do isn’t carrying more… it’s trusting ourselves enough to let go.

💙 One step at a time. One breath at a time. One burden at a time.

“Healing doesn’t always begin with words. Sometimes, it begins with a horse.” 🐴 Local veterans - October 7th Operation S...
08/26/2026

“Healing doesn’t always begin with words. Sometimes, it begins with a horse.” 🐴

Local veterans - October 7th Operation Second Chance and Heroes Ridge will begin another 6-week Equine Therapy Program for wounded, injured, and ill veterans.

Through guided interactions with horses, participants will explore trust, emotional regulation, communication, resilience, and healing in a safe, supportive environment. Horses have a remarkable way of helping us slow down, become present, and reconnect—with ourselves and with others.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this experience, we encourage you to learn more and apply.

Healing doesn’t always begin with words. Sometimes, it begins with a horse. 🇺🇸

Never forget their sacrifice! 🇺🇸💔🇺🇸
08/26/2026

Never forget their sacrifice!
🇺🇸💔🇺🇸

(NICoE) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is looking for volunteers. Please read if interested
08/26/2026

(NICoE) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is looking for volunteers. Please read if interested

08/21/2026

Red Lodge Reflections

What an unforgettable week in Red Lodge, Montana!

Our veterans experienced the beauty, adventure, and fellowship that make these retreats so meaningful. From soaring above the breathtaking Montana landscape in private airplane rides, to exploring the rugged backcountry on ATVs up to Hell Roaring Plateau, every moment was filled with new memories and meaningful connections.
The Mayor of Red Lodge took some of the group for rides in his airplane. What a great time!

The group also enjoyed an incredible evening at Black Canyon Bistro, complete with wonderful food and live entertainment by Corey Johnson, making for a night they won’t soon forget.

A very special thank you to The Pollard Hotel for your outstanding hospitality and for making our veterans feel so welcome throughout their stay. Your kindness and generosity helped make this retreat truly special.

These experiences are only possible because of the incredible generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Thank you for helping Operation Second Chance continue to create opportunities for healing, connection, and hope for our nation’s wounded veterans and their families.

🇺🇸 Helping Heroes Move On. ❤️

Equine Therapy: Letting GoToday at Equine Therapy, our group focused on something many of us struggle with, letting go o...
08/19/2026

Equine Therapy: Letting Go

Today at Equine Therapy, our group focused on something many of us struggle with, letting go of responsibility, expectations, and the need to have an agenda.

Instead of trying to direct the experience, participants were encouraged to simply be present with the horses. In that slower, quieter space, they continued building on skills from previous sessions: connection, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and learning to respond to what is happening in the present moment rather than reacting from habit.

Horses have an incredible way of reflecting our energy and reminding us that healing doesn’t always come from doing more, it often comes from slowing down, being present, and allowing ourselves to simply be.

We’re grateful for these powerful moments of growth and connection. ❤️🐴🇺🇸

Women Veterans Retreat at Heroes RidgeToday we wrapped up another incredible Women Veterans Retreat at Heroes Ridge.Wome...
08/17/2026

Women Veterans Retreat at Heroes Ridge

Today we wrapped up another incredible Women Veterans Retreat at Heroes Ridge.

Women veterans are often an underserved population, yet they have answered our nation’s call with the same courage, dedication, and sacrifice as their fellow service members. It is our privilege to honor them and provide a place where they can reconnect, recharge, and heal alongside other women who understand their journey.

This weekend was filled with adventure, laughter, and meaningful connections. Our ladies learned to rope and ride like true cowgirls, explored the trails on ATVs, tested their skills at archery, and experienced the healing power of Horse Connection, Reiki, and reflexology.

Most importantly, they found community—a reminder that they are never alone.

To each of these remarkable women: thank you for your service, your strength, and your willingness to invest in yourselves this weekend.

Go in peace, ladies. Until we meet again… ❤️🇺🇸

&Reflexology

💜 Our Hidden Helpers have arrived in Orlando!Operation Second Chance is proud to have brought 16 Hidden Helpers to Orlan...
08/14/2026

💜 Our Hidden Helpers have arrived in Orlando!

Operation Second Chance is proud to have brought 16 Hidden Helpers to Orlando this week to participate in the Hidden Helpers Summit - an opportunity to connect with other military-connected children and families who understand the unique experiences that come with loving and supporting a wounded, ill, or injured service member.

Their time in Orlando is also part of OSC’s Strength in Service youth program, creating opportunities for military-connected children and youth to build resilience, strengthen connections, explore their identities, and recognize the strength within their own stories.

Today, our families joined Hidden Helpers from across the country for an incredible kickoff celebration! 💜 Next, they’ll have the opportunity to attend the Hidden Helpers Summit, followed by some well-deserved fun and respite together at the Walt Disney World parks. ✨🏰

They may be called Hidden Helpers, but they are not invisible.

We see you. We celebrate you. And we are proud to stand beside you. 💜🇺🇸

Address

20251 Century Boulevard, Ste 325
Germantown, MD
20874

Telephone

+13019721080

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