By Brenda Cannon Henley
Local Texan Marcus Luttrell and his band of brothers, the US Navy’s elite fighting force, the US Navy SEALs, continues to gain national attention because of the book and movie of the same name, Lone Survivor. The movie has surpassed all original expectations and is drawing audiences made up of people from all age and demographic groups to local theaters. Reaction to the eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and lost heroes of SEAL Team 10 is often the same from Philadelphia to Port Arthur, from Michigan to Mississippi, from Atlanta to Austin. Moviegoers are in no hurry to leave when the film is over. Often, a standing ovation is given in a spontaneous effort to express appreciation for our service men and women. Old and young alike leave with tears streaming down their cheeks, and some service personnel salute their counterparts who have just filled the screen and our hearts.

Fritz Lanham of the Houston Chronicle said, “One of the most gripping and heartbreaking descriptions of heroism in combat to come out of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq…an astonishing survival tale.” David Scott, Commander, Apollo 15, wrote, “In the face of huge odds, in a foreign land, a Navy SEAL, survived to tell his story. It’s inspirational, dynamic, and we should all feel proud to be a part of this team. Thank Goodness, America’s Marcus Luttrells are always out there.”

“A heroic and riveting narrative of endurance against impossible odds…a harrowing tale of survival in the mountains of Afghanistan, surrounded by hundreds of Taliban rebels,” wrote Brad Meyer of The Courier, a Texas newspaper.

When Marcus returned to Texas, he wanted to do something extraordinary for his fellow service men and women. He bore the marks of survivorship. In February 2010, the Lone Survivor Foundation was established with his experience serving as the catalyst for the formation and his vision to give back to those who serve. The Foundation’s programs are based off of Marcus’ recovery and the alternative treatments he used.

In November 2013, BRINT Construction joined with Lone Survivor Foundation to raise funding for and build a retreat facility on beautiful property located in the heart of Crystal Beach, Texas. Completion of this project is projected for late 2014, according to Brian Byrom, representative of BRINT Construction.

According to Terry Jung, Executive Director of the LSF, these retreats are conducted throughout the year with a focus on wellness and therapeutic support, and are held at scenic facilities allowing ample opportunity for the healing effect of nature and relaxation. Jung is especially excited about the Crystal Beach facility located on the Gulf of Mexico in a prime location.

“We serve all military branches and backgrounds,” said Jung. “Our focus is toward combat stress, mTBI, chronic pain issues and military sexual trauma, with an emphasis on service members and veterans from Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We conduct individual service member retreats, couples retreats, and family retreats with the goal of taking the individual and family out of their normal environment, open the mind and emotions and provide tools for moving forward successfully.”

The owners of BRINT Construction, a family owned business providing custom design and building services, donated the land on the beach and are building the Crystal Beach facility. The company was started by 1985 by Tim and Susan Byrom. “For 28 years we have been blessed by the freedoms and opportunities of this great nation that would not exist were it not for the selfless, heroic actions of the men and women in our armed forces,” said Tim Byrom. They have asked the community, and others who are interested to get on board and help make this project a rousing success.

The entire facility will be 5,089 square feet of living space on one-half acre, and provide the ability to comfortably sleep 32 people.

The Crystal Beach facility will be comprised of two separate two-story buildings — a main house and a conference center/staff house. There will be a deck that connects the two buildings with an elevator located between the two houses. The entire facility will be 5,089 square feet of living space on one half acre and will provide the ability to comfortably sleep 32 guests. Outside there will be plenty of decking upstairs to take advantage of the views, a flag pole, and a fire pit downstairs for entertaining in the evenings. The entire facility will be fenced and landscaped to ensure privacy during the retreats.

According to the LSF officials, BRINT and the LSF are seeking sponsorships to build and run the Crystal Beach Lone Survivor Foundation Retreat Facility. There are many ways to give and participate in this exciting effort. There are Admiral, Captain, Commander, and Lieutenant Level sponsorships, as well as in-kind opportunities to be on board, with varying levels of appreciation to the partners who will make this dream come true. “Every gift counts,” said Brian Byrom. “We have opportunities for people to give on many levels. Some can make a sizable donation, while others can only give small amounts. All are appreciated.” Byrom also emphasized that gifts of materials needed, as well as labor, would also be welcome.

“A retreat facility is critical to the mission of the Lone Survivor Foundation,” wrote Kala Sorenson, secretary of the board of directors for the Lone Survivor Foundation, based in Houston. “Our retreats provide support to our soldiers and their families as they move forward while dealing with the physical and psychological effects of war. A year round facility is important in operating the retreats efficiently and effectively, and it allows us the opportunity to provide continued support for those who need our services.”

Sorenson added, “Nature is an important part of these retreats. It allows a setting for equine therapy, which is essential to our program, as well as an atmosphere conducive to reflection after a day of new beginnings. We at the Lone Survivor Foundation are truly excited about the opportunity to host retreats throughout the year at the new Lone Survivor Foundation Retreat on the Bolivar Peninsula, offering our attendees the ability to focus solely on finding their ‘new normal’ with their loved ones by their side.”

Executive Director Jung said, “The Bolivar facility has been custom designed to maximize the effectiveness of retreats. Having our own facility will provide us with greater flexibility in scheduling retreats and increasing the length of programs to provide additional assistance to soldiers and their families. The Bolivar Peninsula provides for a healing environment near the Gulf, which compliments our retreats currently conducted on ranches.”

The residents and property owners on the Bolivar Peninsula are very pleased that Crystal Beach has been chosen for this remarkable work to help so many. If you are interested in contributing or volunteering on any level, please feel free to contact
Brian Byrom at [email protected], or
Terry Jung at [email protected].

You may telephone BRINT Construction at (409) 684-9995 or the Foundation at (832) 581-3592. You may also write the Lone Survivor Foundation at 2626 S Loop West, Suite #415, Houston, Texas 77054.