GCEC Supports Fall 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat: Where Heroes Gather
Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative proudly sponsored the Fall 2023 Warrior Beach Retreat, held November 7-13. Several veterans traveled from across the country to attend this year’s fall retreat.
Warrior Beach Retreat: Where Heroes Gather is a 501(c)(3) local, nonprofit organization founded 13 years ago by Linda Cope. Linda is the mother of Army Sgt. Joshua Cope, who lost both legs above the knee and wounded his right hand in a bombing in Baghdad, Iraq. Linda believes when a soldier goes to war, a family goes to war. Her personal experience led her to form these retreats not only for the combat-wounded warriors but for their spouses and caregivers as well.
These retreats are a time of healing, relaxation, and connection, saving marriages and lives. Linda’s immediate family is heavily involved in the organization: Linda as president and her husband, Philip, as vice president are joined by their son Jonathan— Joshua’s brother. The family works tirelessly with area organizations to have accommodations (provided by St. Joe Co.), gifts, meals and activities provided for the retreat attendees.
These activities include a spa day for the caregivers while the veterans fish on the 78-foot Jubilee, captained by Charles Paprocki. The fish caught are later enjoyed at a fish fry. The retreat includes a parade and a ceremony.