Big Red Barn Retreat celebrates 5th anniversary of Leon Irons Lodge, marking five years of healing, growth, and community impact through posttraumatic growth training

The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) celebrates the 5th anniversary of the Leon Irons Lodge. Upon opening its doors, the Leon Irons Lodge became the hub for Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) program — a nationally recognized, evidence-based initiative designed to help veterans, military service members, and first responders transform trauma into posttraumatic growth. Since then, our mission has grown beyond Warrior PATHH to incorporate other programs and services which provide posttraumatic growth (PTG).

Since opening its doors in 2020, the Leon Irons Lodge has become a safe space for thousands of heroes seeking connection, healing, and renewed purpose. The foundation of our mission is Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). PTG is a process of transforming struggle into a new direction, resulting in positive changes emerging from life’s challenges.

While our focus is on our heroes, our supporters have begun to also benefit from our training. Over the past five years we’ve had local corporations, schools, and small businesses participate and benefit from our training. Our growth over the past five years has enabled us to collaborate with other nonprofits in support of our nation’s heroes.

I never met Leon Irons, but through the stories shared by those who knew him and loved him, it’s clear he built his business by developing people. He lived the very wisdom we teach—strength forged through service, humility shaped by struggle, and growth rooted in purpose. At the Big Red Barn Retreat, we work every day to honor that legacy by helping military service members, veterans, and first responders not just endure what they’ve been through, but grow because of it.” -Mitch Ray, Executive Director

“The Big Red Barn Retreat has become the frontline for helping our heroes thrive in The Carolinas. Over the past five years, we have proven that with the right training and a supportive community, posttraumatic growth isn’t just a concept—it’s a reality for thousands of heroes and their families. We are proud of the impact we’ve made since 2020, and we are only just getting started.” – Lamont Christian (Chris), Chief Mission Officer

The heartbeat of the BRBR is to serve those who’ve served. It takes a community to serve our heroes, and here at the BRBR we have opportunities for everyone to find ways to get involved and become part of a like-minded community. The BRBR greatly appreciates everyone that supports our mission and contributes to the wellbeing of our heroes and their families.

Click here to learn more about the Big Red Barn Retreat and see how you can get involved.