Veterans Retreat (VR), a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, was established to help wounded American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars recover from their injuries and re-assimilate back into civilian life through participation in physically challenging sporting activities and educational courses. VR programs help build confidence, strengthen the body, and provide some enjoyment, guidance, and perspective to these heroic men and women.

VR offers veterans an Introduction to Aviation and Flight Training course, scuba diving certification, sailing instruction, high performance driving instruction, deep-sea fishing challenges in addition to many other sporting, water-based, educational, and exhilarating activities designed around participants’ specific needs, desires, and abilities.

Each program is not only a fun and invigorating experience - we also add an element of education to everything we do.  We will offer an online Introduction to Money Management and Investing course by year-end, 2009.  This will be available, at no cost, to all veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars who have registered with VR.

Veterans Retreat is seeking a retreat facility in the Florida Keys where our activities and programs will take place in a tranquil and tropical setting.  Family members and caregivers can spend extended quality time with their recovering veteran and rebuild relationships, get recharged and have some fun. Our programs and activities are currently based out of Miami Beach, Florida where we hold local events and coordinate other recreational and educational activities throughout the country.

Our Angel Flights For Soldiers division is building relationships with fractional jet companies, corporate flight departments, commercial airlines, and individual aircraft owners to provide transportation for veterans and their family members who participate in our programs or need medical care at distant facilities.  With these tax-advantaged partnerships, donors can help wounded veterans while also helping their bottom-line.

Tim Suereth enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1984 at the age of 17 and served for three years stationed at Ft. Carson Colorado.  He was admitted to the Army boxing team at Ft. Carson and continued full time training until his enlistment term ended in 1987.  His lifelong involvement in athletics drives VR program activities.

After graduating from the University of South Florida, Tim joined Prudential Securities as a financial advisor.  His background in investments is why VR offers the Money Management and Investing course to help veterans understand how the economy works, how to manage their investments, and create a retirement savings plan.

A son of a decorated Navy fighter pilot, Tim has always been fascinated by flight.  He is trained and licensed as a commercial pilot and enjoys sharing his love of flying with America’s war heroes.  

Tim has been part of the military community for 42 years. Growing up as a “Navy brat”, living on military bases, and his own active duty service have given him keen insight into the lives of service members and their families.  Veterans Retreat tailors programs based on this experience and what we believe best suits the military family.

Dianne Thorne’s passion for helping veterans began with her grandfather who was a decorated war hero serving in the Maltese military under British rule during WWII.  Malta was so badly devastated by bombing attacks that her family was forced to immigrate to Australia where she was born.

Now an American Citizen, Dianne has spent much of her life competing and participating in all types of water sporting activities such as sailing, surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and more. 

Dianne’s career in the USA began in film and television production.  Today she works in public relations with a focus on state and federal political consulting and campaign management, Her PR experience helps Veterans Retreat promote awareness of the needs of America’s wounded veterans.

Tim and Dianne founded VR after a series of personal experiences. Three years ago Tim’s youngest brother, Matt, had a severe motorcycle accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury.  He was in a coma for a month, and it wasn't clear if he would live or how much cognition he would be left with if he did survive.  Today Matt is on permanent disability - it has been a long road to recovery for the entire family.

Tim and Dianne learned a lot from his brother’s accident. The couple witnessed Matt’s exhilaration every time he traveled to Miami for boating and fishing.  He made real and lasting progress after his visits, and the couple thought they could translate this experience into a rewarding recovery program for wounded veterans.

The catalyst that propelled them into action was the funeral of Tim’s godfather who died while serving with Tim’s father in Vietnam. Both flew A-6 Intruders off the USS Constellation.  He was shot-down and missing in action for 40 years. The Chinese government returned his remains in 2007. Deeply moved by the resulting funeral ceremony, Dianne and Tim keep his memory alive and honor his sacrifice through Veterans Retreat.

The couple launched Veterans Retreat with their own funds. Today, broader fundraising activities are underway and VR is enlisting public support to expand their vision and reach and serve more veterans, their caregivers, and family members.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the hardships these soldiers have endured and you too will feel compelled to help. Fallen Heroes. Wounded Veterans by State.