Operation Resilience Heroes Walk Volunteer Registration

Honor the Veterans who served our nation during Operation Enduring Freedom with a powerful event that kicks off Operation Resilience.
About this Event

What: The Heroes Walk is the powerful start to the Operation Resilience (OpRes) retreat for the combat Veterans of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, as they reunite with their brothers in arms to move forward and heal together.

Volunteers will line a path and create a warm and patriotic welcome as these heroes step foot at OpRes for the first time. Our staff will hand out flags for volunteers to wave as these heroes arrive and kick off their life-changing retreat.

When: Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Please arrive at 6:00 PM to coordinate before the Veterans’ arrival shortly after. The Heroes Walk will conclude no later than 6:45 PM, and then volunteers will leave following the heroes’ arrival. Seating at the welcome dinner is limited to RSVP-only to include sponsors, partners, and local officials

Where: The Nautical Beachfront Resort (13624 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104)

Why: Welcoming Veterans from 2/3 Marines back together to feel supported and appreciation as they begin their journey to build resiliency by engaging in peer-to-peer support, physical activity, and social connectedness in an effort to combat Veteran suicide.

Volunteer through this event link and become a part of this incredible tradition and cornerstone of OpRes weekends by showing honor, respect, and gratitude to the Veterans of 2/3 Marines. The roar of a cheering crowd, flags waving high, and a thunderous applause make this a momentous occasion that envelops arriving Veterans in the heartfelt gratitude and unwavering support of a grateful community.

Thank you for considering serving with us. We cannot do this without you!
About The Independence Fund

Founded in 2007, The Independence Fund is committed to serving the Veteran community by providing innovative programs and services to support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual independence of our servicemembers, combat Veterans, their Caregivers, families, and those Allies who served in combat alongside our troops. The mission is accomplished through innovative mobility and adaptive technologies and therapies for combat Veterans, suicide prevention, Caregiver and family support, and Veteran advocacy with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, other government agencies, federal and state legislators, and other partners.