Announcing our 2026 EPIC Family Vacation Retreat Recipients

The 2026 EPIC Family Vacation Retreats are set to bring joy, relaxation, and memorable experiences to a few US veterans and their families. We received many nominations for deserving veterans who have served our country with honor and sacrifice. We'd like to thank everyone who submitted a nomination and every veteran nominated for their service to our country. Choosing the recipients is never easy, given the incredible stories and needs behind every application. After careful consideration, the 2026 retreat recipients have been selected to enjoy a well-earned EPIC break in the beautiful Outer Banks.

Meet the 2026 EPIC Family Vacation Retreat Recipients

This year’s recipients include veterans from the US army and the US Marine Corp, each with inspiring stories of service and dedication. We are so very honored to introduce them both.

Master Sergeant Wayne Anders, US Army

Nominated by his grandson Zach

I am writing to nominate my grandfather, Wayne Anders, for one of your 2026 EPIC Family Vacation Retreats in the Outer Banks. At 78 years old and turning 79 this year, he is a true American hero who has selflessly served his country and his community for decades. He desperately needs this opportunity to rest, heal, and reconnect with family after the difficult loss of my grandmother.

My grandpa proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, which makes a trip back to the North Carolina coast especially meaningful for him. He is a beach and seafood lover and really enjoyed taking trips to the coast with us in his younger years. After his military service, he dedicated his life to others and his faith, serving as a minister and helping countless people in his community through spiritual guidance, support during hard times, and acts of kindness. He has been an outstanding role model—quietly making a positive difference in so many lives while rarely taking time for himself.

Since my grandmother passed away, my grandpa has been struggling with deep depression and loneliness. He hasn’t taken a real vacation in years because it has become physically difficult for him to travel and get around on his own. A week in the Outer Banks with his family would give him the peaceful beach setting he needs to relax, create new joyful memories, and feel honored for his sacrifices. The calming ocean views, family time, and low-key activities would be incredibly healing for him right now.

This retreat would mean the world—not just to my grandpa, but to our entire family. It would allow us to come together, show him how much he is loved and appreciated, and give him a well-deserved break while he can still enjoy the sand and sea. He has given so much to our country and his community; it’s time he received something special in return.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Richard Anderson, US Marine Corps

Nominated by his daughter Vickii

My dad is the definition of quiet strength, sacrifice, and resilience—and there is no one more deserving of a chance to rest, heal, and experience joy again.

He dedicated 30 years of his life to serving our country in the United States Marine Corps. Two tours in Vietnam, several one year deployments to Japan and assignments across the US, from California to North Carolina; sometimes without his family being able to join him. Even after retirement, his commitment to his family never slowed—he spent another 20 years working tirelessly to provide, support, and care for those he loves.

In recent years, his role became even more demanding and selfless. He became the primary caregiver for my mom as she battled end-stage renal disease. Because of her condition, he rarely left her side, sacrificing travel, rest, and personal time to ensure she was cared for with dignity and love.

In 2024, he received his own life-altering diagnosis: Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia. As his body continued to fight against him, he diligently obeyed doctors orders with chemo and blood transfusions. As a result of his weakened condition, he endured a month-long hospital stay from December 2024 to January 2025. Just as he was discharged and trying to regain strength, tragedy struck again—my mom suffered a fall, was hospitalized with pneumonia, unexpectedly passing away on January 11, 2025.

The weight of that loss is unimaginable. Yet even in his grief, his challenges continued. On the very day of her funeral, my dad was readmitted to the hospital with the flu and pneumonia. Despite everything—loss, illness, exhaustion—he fought through and returned home to continue battling leukemia.

Since then, he has shown incredible determination. Living independently, he has taken life one day at a time. Slowly but surely, he has regained strength, rebuilt his confidence, and even worked his way back to driving again. His hemoglobin levels are improving, bringing him closer to remission—a testament to his perseverance and will to keep going.

My dad has spent his entire life giving—to his country, his family, and especially to my mom when she needed him most. He has endured more in the past year than most people face in a lifetime, yet he continues to move forward with quiet courage.

A family beach vacation would be more than just a trip—it would be a chance for him to rest, to breathe, to heal, and to finally experience something just for himself. It would give him a moment of peace after decades of sacrifice and a year of profound loss and hardship.

He has always put others first. This opportunity would mean the world—not just as a getaway, but as a reminder that his strength, love, and dedication have not gone unseen.

He truly deserves this.

An EPIC Thank You to All of our Nominators and their Nominees

Selecting the 2026 recipients was not an easy task! Every nomination warmed our hearts and touched our souls. We are in awe of each and every veteran that was nominated and are immensly grateful for their service to our country, their families and their communities.

The 2026 EPIC Family Vacation Retreats will offer both of our chosen veterans and their families a chance to relax, reconnect, and create new memories in the Outer Banks. The difficult selection process highlights the many veterans who serve with honor and face challenges daily. We look forward to continuing our mission to share our incredible OBX community with deserving individuals.