Waypoint Vets

09/27/2026

07/31/2026

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: ZION RED ROCK 2026!
Early morning alarms were greeted by the smell of coffee, drawing each veteran into the kitchen where a simple breakfast and snacks to take on our journey home were waiting for them. Bags packed, vans assigned, it was time for one last circle. This one, a celebration of all that’d been accomplished with distribution of each veteran’s certificate of completion, which comes with truly becoming a member of the Waypoint Vets family.

On the way out, the group made one last stop at the labyrinth, a reminder of all that they’d accomplished and promises made to themselves and each other. Their “internal flashlights” are shining bright into the world, ready to be a light for others.

Once a family, always a family. Waypoint Vets’ aftercare program includes follow-up Zoom meetings, resources for veteran services, and ways to continue connecting together.

Honoring the fallen by living and uniting and empowering veterans through camaraderie and adventure. That’s what Waypoint Vets does and is.

To learn more or see a full list of our organization's sponsors, go to www.WaypointVets.org. 💛🖤🇺🇸

A special Thank You to this trip's sponsors:
Hot Shot's Secret
Zion Red Rock
Zion Guru
Nama-Stay Retreat Village Zion
The Marine Corps League
CVMA TN 18-1
Alexis Park Resort
Branch Hill Ohio VFW Post 5354

07/30/2026

MISSION UPDATE 2: ZION RED ROCK 2026!
On the last full day together, the veterans enjoyed morning stretches with Zion Guru staff, finding even more muscles that had been used the day before. Each day, Zion Guru brought a different fitness coach, each one unique in their rhythm and movement.

After the now-familiar stretching, delicious breakfast and lunch packing, everyone once again went into the same groups as the first day, switching activities. The canyoneering group would now hike the Narrows up the Virgin River in Zion National Park, and the Narrows group would now go canyoneering. Excited to try something new, especially as they had shared information about their experiences, our veterans geared up and loaded into the vans.

Pushing through river currents and taking that first step off a canyon ledge is empowering. Success instills confidence and a realization that living really does mean thriving, especially when encouraged by our brothers and sisters alongside us.

With whoops and hollers, or a quiet resonance inside, the group loaded up and headed back to the Red Rock Villa for quiet time. Walking alone, two by two or in a group to the labyrinth, many walked the path to the center and left a hurt behind, made a promise to themselves, or reflected with gratitude. Others chose to soak in the hot tub or sauna, rest quietly in their room, or converse with their new family in the common areas.

After one last delicious dinner together, the entire group all gathered together in a circle. Thinking of the labyrinth, each veteran anonymously wrote on a piece of paper what we wanted to let go of or leave behind, and again anonymously took one and gave a word of encouragement in return.

We are family.

To learn more or see a full list of our organization's sponsors, go to www.WaypointVets.org. 💛🖤🇺🇸

A special Thank You to this trip's sponsors:
Hot Shot's Secret
Zion Red Rock
Zion Guru
Nama-Stay Retreat Village Zion
The Marine Corps League
CVMA TN 18-1
Alexis Park Resort
Branch Hill Ohio VFW Post 5354

07/29/2026

MISSION UPDATE 2: ZION RED ROCK 2026!
The second day began with morning stretches, with many discovering muscles used the day before of which they were previously unaware. Zion Guru staff led the veterans, gently moving shoulders, arms, legs, wrists, back and feet, preparing all for another day of adventure.

After a filling healthy breakfast, lunches were packed, and everyone loaded into Zion Guru vans ready for a day of hiking in Zion National Park. Each veteran could choose between a moderate and a more strenuous hike, both with stunning views of the park, mixing the two groups from the previous day to bond more, friend more and laugh more.

Sweaty, dirty and tired, everyone returned to the Red Rock Villa hearts full and stomachs ready for another healthy meal, prepared with care and thoughtfulness for every veteran.

The night’s activity was to immerse themselves within a sound bath. Relaxed on yoga mats, pillows and blankets for warmth and comfort, everyone settled in for a deeply relaxing, meditative experience. Sound waves and vibrations, created by gongs, crystal singing bowls, drums and chimes filled everyone up, invoking memories and thoughts bringing each person to a state of deep rest.

The next day will bring deeper bonding, honoring the fallen while living, and uniting and empowering veterans through camaraderie and adventure.

To learn more or see a full list of our organization's sponsors, go to www.WaypointVets.org. 💛🖤🇺🇸

A special Thank You to this trip's sponsors:
Hot Shot's Secret
Zion Red Rock
Zion Guru
Nama-Stay Retreat Village Zion
The Marine Corps League
CVMA TN 18-1
Alexis Park Resort
Branch Hill Ohio VFW Post 5354

07/28/2026

MISSION UPDATE 1: ZION RED ROCK 2026!

The first full day started with morning stretches in the beautiful great room at Red Rock Villa. Yoga mats spread about, Zion Guru staff led gentle stretches, focusing on the muscles that would be used in the adventure. Coffee and breakfast aromas wafted through the air, inviting the veterans to nourish and prepare their bodies for the day.

After packing lunches, everyone geared up and split into two groups. One would go canyoneering at Lamb’s Knoll and the other hiking up the Narrows in the Virgin River in Zion National Park. Vans loaded, lunches packed, laughter abound, Zion Guru and Waypoint staff drove to their respective locations through the stunning desert and red rock canyons of Utah.

Everyone returned to the Villa, two groups reforming as one. A time of rest for a soak in the hot tub, a trek to the labyrinth or simply lounging in the living area conversing with new friends, each one absorbing and sharing their day before joining together for a healthy dinner.

Winding down, each veteran reflected on the day in a circle with the adventure group. Processing the many emotions everyone felt: fear, excitement, anticipation, joy, wonder and delight among many others resulted in laughter and tears while rediscovering themselves.

Veterans bonded through adventure, finding purpose, motivation and lighting a fire within to make the changes necessary to live and thrive.

All while honoring the fallen while living.

To learn more or see a full list of our organization's sponsors, go to www.WaypointVets.org. 💛🖤🇺🇸

A special Thank You to this trip's sponsors:
Hot Shot's Secret
Zion Red Rock
Zion Guru
Nama-Stay Retreat Village Zion
The Marine Corps League
CVMA TN 18-1
Alexis Park Resort
Branch Hill Ohio VFW Post 5354

07/26/2026

MISSION UNDERWAY: ZION RED ROCK 2026!

Waypoint Vets staff arrived at Alexis Park in Las Vegas, Nevada days in advance to prepare for the 4th annual Zion Red Rock Retreat. The team was filled with excitement and anticipation to meet the participants and give them the safest and most meaningful experience possible.

They picked up rental vans, retrieved supplies and gear from our storage unit including backpacks, hiking poles, community area items, and dry goods. After taking an inventory, off to Walmart and Costco they went, menus and shopping lists in hand. With a goal to provide tasty and healthy meals, staff loaded shopping carts with fresh veggies, fruit, eggs, lean cuts of meat and whole grains.

Coolers and totes filled to the brim, gift bags and gold name badges ready, the staff slept well knowing the next day would be busy with airport pickups, a rendezvous at Panera Bread, and loading the vans with suitcases and veterans, ready to set out into Utah for the adventure.

Stopping at the Utah border for a “family” photo, they then proceeded to Zion Guru in Springdale Utah to pick up waders, boots and poles for hiking the Narrows and rappelling gear for upcoming adventures in Zion National Park. Geared up for the final destination: Zion Red Rock Villa.

This stunning retreat center is perfectly equipped for Waypoint Vets, with an amazing management team that goes above and beyond each year to make the stay both possible and exemplary. Staff arrived early to set out snacks, ready the rooms, and prepare a hearty healthy family-style dinner. After dinner, everyone gathered for the opening circle. Bonds quickly began to form before a good night’s rest, feeling ready for what the next day would bring.

To learn more or see a full list of our organization's sponsors, go to www.WaypointVets.org. 💛🖤🇺🇸

A special Thank You to this trip's sponsors:
Hot Shot's Secret
Zion Red Rock
Zion Guru
Nama-Stay Retreat Village Zion
The Marine Corps League
CVMA TN 18-1
Alexis Park Resort
Branch Hill Ohio VFW Post 5354

05/23/2026

To those organizing and hosting events and gatherings this weekend - thank you. You are creating meaningful opportunities for guilt to evolve into gratitude. Heroes have died on our behalf and our lives are their legacy. We keep what we loved most about them very much alive in us. We are charged with helping them live on through remembrance, through our pursuits of happiness, by continuing to fight the war inside, and by remaining united through divisive times. These three days are ours to make memorable - and remember, the most effective means to keep folks informed and engaged in Memorial Day's meaning is education, not shame. 🇺🇸 ~Sarah Lee, Founder
Waypoint Vets |

05/06/2026

The Villages, FL Residents: MAY 16 @ 6:30pm 🇺🇸
*Benefitting 501(c)(3) charity Waypoint Vets: An all volunteer nonprofit serving at-risk veterans in Florida and nationwide.

Sounds of the Legends presents a Vegas-Style night of Music & Dancing at the Everglades Rec Center in The Villages, Florida's Friendliest Hometown! Please help share our flyer and spread the word about this fun and meaningful event! 🤩

Tickets are $20. Purchase securely online:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/soundsofthelegendsshow
*Open to The Villages Residents & Guests w/ Pass

Host: Krista Joy as the Queen of Hearts
Mark Raisch singing Neil Diamond hits
Sebastian Garland singing Evis Presley hits
Richie Lanna singing Kenny Rogers hits

05/06/2026

PRO PHOTOS ARE HERE! 🤩 Upload your pics 👇 https://photos.app.goo.gl/mpaL2GohPWgce4ARA

A heartfelt thank you to USMC Veteran and Waypoint Vets Leadership NJ Tiuseco for volunteering his photography talent to capture these precious memories, and to Waypoint Vets Alumni George Cavallo for volunteering his time to edit these beautiful photos!!