Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Airmen

Mothers and sometimes fathers have long tried to curb their sons’ desires to join the military by nudging them toward a less risky career. And if that fails, they will perhaps encourage the Air Force as the safest option. But there are several jobs in the Air Force of which parents remain ignorant and which can offer an aspiring warrior the action they desire: the Combat Controller, Pararescueman, and Tactical Air Control Specialist. 

In March, Freedom Alliance was honored to host at our Offshore Experience program nine men from these elite units. Many of them had served with Tier One units, meaning they were part of our nation’s most elite teams of warriors. These were men who had earned medals of valor, awarded for heroic actions in combat. They had conducted numerous combat rotations to war zones like Iraq and Afghanistan and pursued our country’s enemies all over the world. Some had been physically wounded, and all had been burdened by their highly kinetic careers.

The men in this group had either served together directly or crossed paths as they honorably answered the call of duty—a duty that irrevocably changed them. But this mini-deployment to Costa Rica would be transformative in other ways.

Thanks to the generous community of Los Sueños Resort & Marina on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the men enjoyed luxurious accommodations for the week. Mr. Mahaffey and Mr. Esterline, Mr. and Mrs. Ball of Georgia, and Mr. and Mrs. Lindholm all donated lodging in the various gated communities of the resort, all of whom have supported us for multiple years. Our veterans can find little mementos in the homes left by previous servicemen and women who have benefited from their generosity. Plaques, unit patches, and coins—they’re reminders of the patriotic support we enjoy.

On their first day, Jim Kitchell of Costa Cat Cruises, provided a big discount for the larger-than-normal group on his catamaran tour to Isla Tortuga. Tortuga is exactly what you would picture for an island paradise: white sands, palm trees, reclining chairs, and an attentive crew who offers drinks throughout the day. After snorkeling, the Costa Cat crew put on a big lunch of flame-grilled chicken breast, potatoes cooked with onions and peppers, salad, and more. A couple of the veterans took the hour-long hike around the island, where various wildlife was spotted. It was a perfect day of relaxation after traveling from abroad.

Arriving back at the resort in the late afternoon, refreshed from their day at Tortuga, the group watched the sunset from the open-air dining area of Al Fresco’s Beach Club restaurant. Los Sueños has supported the program from day one and continues to offer a steep discount on our meals at all the restaurants around the resort. We then switched gears to begin our series of structured discussions about warriorhood and carrying the burdens of war.

The next day, the veterans split into two groups—one fishing on Grand Slam and other on Billfisher. Grand Slam is a 60-foot Guthrie owned by Wallis Higginbotham of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. When Wallis arrived at Los Sueños Resort a few years ago, he immediately offered us use of his boat and has donated two days of fishing each year since. Wallis greeted the men as they boarded that morning, introducing his captain, Dave Grubbs, and the crew, Jack Hendrix and Parker Plott.

After hitting the fishing grounds, Captain Dave spotted tuna bursting on the scene and sought to get some. But before any tuna could bite, and just seconds after putting the lines in the water, we hooked our first sailfish of the day. After safely releasing the fish, Dave kept an eye on the tuna. But he couldn’t reach them in time because we were hooked up again—this time with a blue marlin! We hadn’t left the tuna when we hooked into two wahoo, one right after the other. The sails kept biting too! Finally, toward the late afternoon, we pulled in three tuna. Our final count was 2 wahoo, 3 tuna, 13 sails, and a blue marlin—what a day!

The other group had set out on the 64-foot Duffie Boatworks yacht Billfisher, donated by owners Jon and Judy Duffie. Captain Noah McVicker took these guys to billfishing school that day. The veterans on board got a great workout, catching 27 sailfish!

The following day would be one for the history books. Last January, Captain Austin Robins of Max Bat, a 66-foot Spencer yacht owned by Matthew and Kelly Weber, set a record-breaking day, catching 31 fish with the Freedom Alliance group. But the veterans on Fish Tank, a new 64-foot Viking, captained by Ben Horning with owner Chris Jessen in the cockpit, set a new program achievement of 34 sailfish in a single day! 

The group on Grand Slam tried for the uncooperative tuna, which could be seen breaking the surface, munching on flying fish and other bait. However, they were not interested in our bait or lures. After giving it half a day, the frustrated crew turned to target sailfish and ended up catching 8 sails and 2 large and beautifully colored mahimahi. 

For the final full day in Costa Rica, we planned an intense hike to Catarata Manantial de Agua Viva, which translated means the Living Water Spring Waterfall. The trailhead sits on the top of a mountain and winds its way down to the waterfall.

These warriors quickly outpaced the Freedom Alliance coordinator, who called, “Wait for me at the waterfall!” There, after a few group photos and individual shots, we descended along the river to a swimming hole to cool off.  The ascent back to the van was the hardest part, at least for the Freedom Alliance coordinator. 

After a local meal at La Casita Del Sabor, or Little House of Flavor, we re-entered our program discussions. There are seven sessions given during the week, tailored toward those who have actively engaged in combat—from the infantry grunt to those of the Special Operations community.

Brandon G., a Combat Controller remarked, “The discussions each night hold a special place in my heart, and I have gained many lessons-learned and a newfound ability to empathize and open up to talk about issues that I naturally do not express. I did not realize the gravity of the discussions before attending, and I now understand the impact that I have seen in so many fellow Operators who have attended an Offshore Experience before me.” 

That evening, we had a big meal at Bambu, the resort’s sushi restaurant that overlooks the marina. We had left some of the tuna and mahi we’d caught with the restaurant the previous day and now enjoyed several sushi boats loaded with fresh morsels of fish.

The men departed the next morning, hoping for a reunion trip in the future.

Paul posted on Greatnonprofits: “I was invited to attend the Freedom Alliance Offshore Experience fishing trip to Costa Rica. This had to be the most incredible fishing trip on anyone could ask for. The coordinator ensured that every facet of the experience was world-class, and it was because of his relationships with the donors that it was all possible. We were not only made to feel welcome but were included in the community. The group sessions were impactful, and the balance between the sessions and the experiences brought everyone closer together.”

Brandon G. wrote: “As I reflect on the memories gained and the bonds we formed this last week, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the patriots of [the] Offshore Experience and the donors who give to make events like this happen. This week has recharged and reenergized my motivation to be a better man, worker, husband, father, and friend.”

Chris C. wrote: “From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the stunning scenery and the warm hospitality of the staff. The lodging was beyond luxurious, and every detail had been thoughtfully considered to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. I truly felt like royalty, and I cannot thank you enough for making this experience possible… I will never forget it, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of it. You have truly made a lasting impact on my life…”

Kacee wrote on Greatnonprofits: “Freedom Alliance sent myself and 8 teammates to the Offshore Experience. This was a bucket-list trip for many of us, offshore fishing in Costa Rica. Everything from the condos to the fishing boats was top-notch! Very professional. We were able to share stories and experiences throughout the week while fishing and through guided sessions. Thank you to everyone [who] made this happen!”