Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Henry.
Hi Mary , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2009, my son went through a very difficult deployment in Afghanistan. He and his unit returned home in 2010 and I was able to see firsthand the struggles that members of the armed forces experience upon returning home to life after combat. Years later, in 2016, after hearing of many of his brothers still struggling, I asked my son, What would help you all start to heal? He suggested a weekend together. I started raising funds for this to happen, and in June of that year, we were able to reunite 23 of his battle buddies at Breezy Point Resort in Brainerd. The funds we raised were used to purchase flights, food and lodging so that those who wanted to attend were able.
As the group was getting ready to leave on Sunday, several of the guys approached me individually and told me to please do this again for other units, as it was the most healing experience they had since returning home from deployment.
By September of that year, Reuniting After War was established as a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization. Since that time, we have hosted 24 reunions throughout the summer months, serving over 500 veterans. The reunions are three nights, four days and guys get to experience Minnesota through golfing, fishing and pontooning but most important is their time together with each other. The majority of our reunions have taken place at Craguns Resort on Gull Lake.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle we face is having to limit the number of reunions we are able to host due to the high cost. We never want to turn down a unit that is seeking a reunion, but the average cost of each veteran to attend is $1,200 as we provide travel expenses, lodging and food. Each reunion we have is worth any struggle we’ve faced.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For each reunion we host, I am very honored to become a small part of that unit’s story. Veterans that attend reunions often speak of the healing that takes place during their time together. Often, the guys will make a toast to fallen brothers and have conversations that they have not been able to have since returning home from war. We’ve seen the reconnections go beyond the weekend, and after 5 years, units can request a second reunion to keep their bonds strong. There are very few non-profits that reunite combat units at no cost to the veterans themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reunitingafterwar.org/
- Instagram: reunitingafterwar
- Facebook: Reuniting After War
