About Us

History

Our group of Veterans and patriots came together with the intent of serving brothers and sisters who were wounded in service to their country.  We began by volunteering in support of other organizations that provide outdoor excursions for veterans and their families in the Pacific NW.  In the summer of 2014, we broke ground for a veterans retreat at an old cannery site near the Bay of Pillars in southeast Alaska.  We made numerous trips donating time, expertise and brawn, resulting in a beautiful, off-the-grid, solar and wind-powered dwelling with dock and supporting structures. 

                        

In exchange for our efforts, we earned access for a few weeks each year to provide sanctuary for groups of wounded veterans and first responders.  The beautiful, newly completed magnificent home was designed with spacious living and dining areas to invite conversation and companionship after fishing and interactive outdoor activities with other veterans, offering a chance for rest and renewal.  In 2015, we formally established Operation Healing as an operating unit of Bay of Pillars, Inc., a 501(c)3 approved non-profit.

    

Initial guest veterans and staff enjoyed the adventure and restorative healing offered by this remote location, yet in the end, weather, transportation and other logistics prompted moving to the current, more accessible and slightly less austere location, Chinook Shores Lodge near Ketchikan, Alaska.  The Chinook Shores Lodge professional and friendly staff helps safely guide and host veterans, providing comfortable facilities and well maintained equipment.  They work with Operation Healing staff providing our veterans groups with a memorable and healing experience of a lifetime. .

Board of Directors

  • Pat Carpenter

    President

    25 Years Lt Colonel USAF / Airline Captain  (retired)

  • Scott Christiansen

    Vice President

    26 Years Lt Colonel USAF / Airline Captain (retired)

  • Steve Olson

    Steve Olson, Secretary

    29 Years Chief Master Sergeant USAF / Facility Manager (retired)

  • Ken Guyette

    Treasurer

    25 Years USAF / Comptroller (retired)

  • Cosmo Daquila

    Operations Director

    Regional Sales Director of a GBS / Treasurer of Heroes on the Water

In Loving Memory

Terry William “Spike” McKinsey

 

We are eternally grateful for the incredible life lived by our close friend and founding Vice President, Spike McKinsey. As an old Naval Academy Marine fighter pilot, he was a Christian gentleman and a warrior. He served as a fighter wing commanding officer and airline assistant chief pilot. Most at home on the water and a consummate fisherman, he was a real life hero for many. We consider his life a guiding template for our own. Each veteran served, whether it be a fish on the line or experiencing a simple comfort, is a tribute to our mentor and friend, Spike.