'That brings healing': Warrior Beach Retreat comes to Panama City Beach Nov. 7

PANAMA CITY BEACH − Linda Cope says Bay County plays a crucial role in healing and providing closure to wounded veterans.

As founder and president of Warrior Beach Retreat Inc, Cope said the nonprofit organization will soon host eight couples for its biannual event that brings combat-wounded veterans and their spouses or caregivers to Panama City Beach for vacation.

The retreat also includes a parade throughout the Panama City Beach area held in their honor.

"I think it gives the community a way to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice so many have given to keep us free," Cope said of what she believes the retreat means to the community. "People don't know the impact they're making in the lives of these men and women when they line the streets for this parade.

"When they line the streets and honor these men and women, that brings healing to them."

The group, which is not affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project, was started by Cope more than a dozen years ago after her son, retired U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Cope, lost both his legs above the knee from an improvised explosive device in Iraq.

The upcoming retreat will run Nov. 7-13, and attending veterans will stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort near Pier Park. Their lodging, along with multiple activities and meals, are covered by the nonprofit, local businesses and restaurants.

The parade and ceremony will be held Nov. 9, with the parade beginning at 4 p.m. and the ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. A complete breakdown of the parade route can be found by visiting the group's website at www.warriorbeachretreat.org/wbr-parade-route. The ceremony will be held Living Word Church.

A barbeque fundraiser for Warrior Beach Retreat also will be held on Nov. 10 at Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital. It costs $10 for one meal and $18 for two meals. All orders are for pick-up, except those with 10 or more meals, which will be delivered, Cope said. To preorder meals, call 850-532-6457.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will help fund future retreats for wounded combat veterans. This includes those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Past retreat: 'A healing place': Warrior Beach Retreat kicks off this week in Panama City Beach

Apart from the fundraiser, donations can be made to the group through its website at. They also can be mailed to the group by using P.O. Box 19555 Panama City Beach, Florida 32417. For more information, visit www.warriorbeachretreat.org.

"We're local, and you're help means a lot," Cope said. "The donations really help with making this possible."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Nonprofit bringing wounded veterans to Panama City beach for vacation