Launched in 2023 as a one-off special mission, the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat has quickly grown into one of our core annual programs. Each year, we fly a group of local veterans who served during the Global War on Terrorism to New York City for a three-night wellness retreat focused on reflection, connection, and healing. This experience is provided completely free of charge—covering airfare, lodging, meals, and all planned activities—because those who served have already given enough.
Throughout the retreat, participants visit powerful landmarks that hold deep meaning for this generation of veterans, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower). These visits provide an opportunity to reflect on the events that shaped their service and to honor the memory of those who were lost.
The retreat also features special guest speakers—prominent 9/11 first responders and distinguished veterans—who share their own experiences of resilience, faith, and recovery. Their stories remind us all that healing is possible and that no veteran walks this path alone.
Many participants tell us that the retreat gave them the encouragement they needed to reach out for support, reconnect with their peers, or begin a new chapter of personal healing.
We currently host one Freedom to Liberty retreat each year, with hopes to expand as funding allows. We accept applications only during our open application period—typically January through April. Because space is limited and demand is high, we’re unable to accommodate everyone who applies—so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
If you served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military during the Global War on Terrorism, and you earned the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal or equivalent, you qualify for the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat (see application for specific details). Proof of service, such as a DD214 or equivalent documentation, is required when applying.
In 2026, Missions of Honor was proud to expand to the entire state of WI for the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat. Going forward, all eligible veterans who reside in Wisconsin are able to apply. As the program grows, we hope to expand to other states so check back for updates.
Please note: We do not accept surprise applications. If you are assisting a veteran with an application, they need to be fully aware that you are applying on their behalf.
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation message at the email address you provided. If you do not receive this email confirmation, please check your junk or spam folder. If you still don’t see a confirmation message, your application may not have gone through. The most common issue is missing required information, so please review your submission carefully before resubmitting.
Your travel, lodging, meals, and planned activities will be fully funded by Missions of Honor. Because space and funding are limited, family members and guests cannot accompany you on the retreat.
All participants must have a REAL ID or valid passport to travel. Please visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website to learn more about REAL ID requirements.
Due to the high number of applications we receive and the limited number of retreat spots available, we’re unable to accommodate everyone who applies—but we review each application carefully and give every submission full consideration.
For additional details about eligibility, travel logistics, or what to expect during the retreat, please see our FAQs section.
We accept applications only during our open application period—typically January through April. A maximum of 60 veterans are selected for each mission. Because space is limited and demand is high, we’re unable to accommodate everyone who applies.
In 2026, Missions of Honor was proud to expand to the entire state of WI for the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat. Going forward, all eligible veterans who reside in Wisconsin are able to apply. As the program grows, we hope to expand to other states so check back for updates.
After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation message at the email address you provided. If you do not receive this email confirmation, please check your junk or spam folder. If you still don’t see a confirmation message, your application may not have gone through. The most common issue is missing required information, so please review your submission carefully before resubmitting.
Submitting multiple applications will result in all of your entries—including the original one—being deleted from our system.
Yes. You’ll need to provide a redacted paper copy of your DD214 prior to the mission.
That’s completely up to you and your personal interests. The Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat covers airfare, lodging, ground transportation, admissions, most meals, and other general expenses through the support of our organization and partners. You’ll only need money for personal purchases such as souvenirs, optional activities, or alcohol.
You don’t need both. However, TSA requires you to present a valid REAL ID driver’s license or valid passport to fly—no exceptions.
Unfortunately not. Because our goal is to include as many veterans as possible on each mission, this retreat is reserved exclusively for participating veterans, and family members are not eligible to attend.
Unfortunately not. This mission is exclusively for participating veterans, and our venues and other accommodations cannot support additional guests.
No. Participation in the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat is limited to the official group itinerary. Veterans are not permitted to make separate travel plans or arrangements outside of the scheduled group activities.
A licensed physician and a certified mental health professional travel with our group to provide support as needed. If a situation requires a visit to a hospital or other medical facility, your personal insurance will be billed.
No problem. We’ll work with you to make sure your needs are met and that you’re comfortable throughout the mission. Please contact us to discuss arrangements.
If you have a certified service dog, we’ll make every effort to ensure that both you and your dog are accommodated. Your service dog must remain vested during the Freedom to Liberty: A Mission of Healing Retreat, and you’ll need to follow all applicable rules and regulations while traveling.
Smoking is permitted, but only in designated smoking areas. When smoking, we ask that you be considerate of those around you, including your roommate.
Yes. Alcohol will be readily available, but we ask that you exercise restraint. All participants are required to sign a personal conduct pledge before the mission. Public intoxication, use of illegal substances, or any other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in early dismissal from the trip.
Our goal is to include as many veterans as possible on the retreat and we do not have a need for guardians on this mission. Thank you for your understanding.
