Applications are now being accepted for Deep Sea Valkyries Retreat - Operation Patton's Prayer (May 22-29, 2026)

The application is open to combat Veterans of all eras of service as well as all LEO/First Responders and participants are NOT selected on a first come first served basis so all complete applications will move forward to selection. This is an intensive week long trauma counseling program that partners a clinical Cognitive Behavioral Therapy curriculum and scuba diving as it is an outdoor activity that Veterans/LEO/First Responders with various levels of disability or injury can participate in fully. We highly encourage applicants to take their time and thoughtfully answer the three written questions as this is the most heavily weighed portion by the selection committee.

The application can be accessed on our website home page:

www.deepseavalkyries.com

Our Mission

We are dedicated to confronting the Veteran and First Responder mental health crisis by preventing suicide and reducing the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our approach centers on healing through a clinical trauma counseling retreat that combines evidence-based therapy, scuba diving as an alternative healing practice, and spiritual guidance.

A Unique Path to Healing

Deep Sea Valkyries is the Nation’s only alternative therapy program that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), scuba diving, and faith-based devotions specifically designed to explore and address moral injury.

Our retreats are more than just scuba diving trips—they are immersive, transformative voyages designed to heal the mind, body, and soul. By stepping away from the chaos and demands of everyday life, participants can focus on themselves and experience one degree of course correction that can lead to lifelong change.

Camaraderie, Healing, and Purpose

Each retreat brings Veterans and First Responders together as Brothers and Sisters once more—connected by shared experiences and mutual understanding. Through this bond, participants rediscover emotional resilience, physical strength, and spiritual peace.

We believe that when our heroes heal, they return to their communities with renewed purpose, ready to begin their next chapter, live fully, and serve again—from a place of strength, not struggle.

Funded in part by a generous grant from Westwood Community Church, as well as grants from the Overwatch Alliance and the Southwest Veterans Foundation Suicide Prevention Grant.