Five Years of the Leon Irons Lodge: A Legacy of Posttraumatic Growth, Purpose, and Community
By BRBR Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Angela McDuffie
Five years ago today, the Big Red Barn Retreat marked a pivotal moment in its history with the opening of the Leon Irons Lodge. What began as a dedicated space for our Warrior PATHH program (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes), it has since become the heart of our organization and a cornerstone of our mission, supporting our nation’s heroes as they navigate through struggle and move towards posttraumatic growth (PTG).
Since opening its doors, the Leon Irons Lodge has welcomed thousands of heroes seeking connection, perspective, and renewed purpose. From the beginning, this Lodge was designed to be more than just a building; it was created as a space where shared experiences matter, meaningful conversations happen, and growth is possible even after life’s hardest moments.
The foundation of this work is PTG, the process of transforming struggle into a new direction, resulting in positive change that can come from life’s challenges. While Warrior PATHH was the foundation for the Lodge, our mission has expanded over the last five years to include additional PTG-based programs and services year round. The Lodge has made that growth possible by providing consistent and intentional space for training, connection, and reflection.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony five years ago, Lamont Christian, Director of PTG Programs and Services, shared words that continue to reflect the heart of this mission:
“What I’d like to share with you about this program that I lead, along with my PATHH Guides, a team of warriors who help others thrive during times when most people struggle, is this: we are fighting for our warriors. We often talk about fighting poverty, fighting homelessness, fighting cancer, but when we talk about the warrior spirit, posttraumatic stress, suicide, and the problems of life, we too often view them from a place of pity.
You are part of our fight against those things, to get in front of the problem and help our warriors continue to thrive as they find their purpose. I love you all because you believe in what we do, you believe in us, and we thank you for that.”
These words have guided the purpose-driven work that continues throughout our organization. It has allowed participants to step away from daily pressures and fully engage alongside peers who understand their experiences wholeheartedly. While our focus remains on serving our nation’s heroes, the impact of the Leon Irons Lodge has extended far beyond them. Local corporations, schools, and small businesses have also participated in PTG-based training here at the Big Red Barn Retreat, as well as collaboration with other nonprofits that have expanded support for those we serve and their families.
As we reflect on the last five years, we do so with gratitude and intention. It stands as a reminder of what’s possible when a community invests in growth, shared purpose, and those who’ve served. We look forward to continuing this work and advancing PTG for years to come.
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