Ron Newman is a proud Marine Corps veteran who served with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Like many who’ve worn the uniform, he understands the strength of brotherhood forged through shared hardship, long deployments, and the kind of experiences that never quite leave you. After years of organizing reunions on his own dime, Ron realized something simple but powerful: these gatherings were saving lives.

With that realization, he founded the Golf Company 2/3 Island Warriors, Marine Support & Outreach Foundation, built on the belief that no Marine should be left behind, not on the battlefield, and not in life after service. His mission is clear: keep the bond alive, support the men who served together, and make sure every Marine who wants to be at a reunion can be, regardless of their financial situation.

Ron’s not one for the spotlight. His dedication to his brothers speaks volumes. He’s the guy who makes sure there’s a place to gather, stories to tell, and laughs that echo late into the night. Sometimes all it takes is a weekend with the guys who truly understand to feel like yourself again.

"I think I speak for most, if not all, of the Marines when I say we had a hard time adjusting to civilian life and making civilian friends. Even staying close with our old high school friends was tough because we’re different people now. I deeply missed the relationships and camaraderie we had. Nothing in civilian life came close to that. I knew I had to find a way to bring it back into my life, or I honestly didn’t know how I was going to make it through.

Even though I’d kept in touch with a few guys, I had no idea where most of them were because there was no social media back then. In 2000, six of us had our first retreat in Wisconsin. Then, when Facebook started getting more popular, I was able to track down a lot more of the guys. In 2016, I started a private Facebook group just for us. That’s when I decided to organize another retreat. Alex Arredondo stepped up to host the first one in Huntington Beach, California.

That feeling of having the guys back together is hard to describe. It was the first time I felt truly relaxed in 21 years. The laughter gave you stomach pains for days. It felt like we were 18 again and had never left each other.

At that retreat, and every one since, the guys who came for the first time said the same thing: they had so much fun, they’d never miss another one. It recharged you for months and gave you something to look forward to. At first, we only did full Golf Company retreats every two years. In between, smaller groups from 2nd Platoon would get together. Each time, we had a different host in a different state.

At the Washington, D.C. retreat, we decided it was time to start having them every year."

Why the Foundation for Golf Company, 2/3 Exists

At first, I planned these retreats because I needed them. I didn’t realize how much until we got together that first time. Then it became clear I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. My brothers were going through the same things. We needed each other again.

It all started with a simple idea. I knew there were Marines from Golf Company 2/3 who wanted to come, but couldn’t afford it. I’d tell them, “Just get there and I’ll figure out the rest,” but most of them wouldn’t admit they needed help. Some wouldn't accept the money even when I offered. That stuck with me. I started thinking that if I turned this into a nonprofit and raised enough through donations, I could cover the entire retreat. No one would have to pay. No one would have to ask for help. Everyone could just show up.

The purpose of the foundation is simple. Bring our Marines back together. Support one another. Make sure no one gets left behind. These gatherings are more than just a reunion. They’re about healing, reconnecting, and restoring the bond that got us through some of the hardest years of our lives.

Camaraderie is something you can’t explain unless you’ve lived it. We come from different states, different backgrounds, and different walks of life. But we trained, deployed, and served side by side. We lived together around the clock for years. That kind of connection doesn’t go away. Some of these men are closer to me than my biological family.

I’ve seen what these retreats can do. They keep guys going. They give us something to look forward to. I believe some of our brothers wouldn’t still be here without them. Since we started, more of the guys are staying in touch. Some travel to see each other throughout the year. A few have even started a tradition of gathering every November to celebrate the Marine Corps' Birthday. These events remind us we’re not alone, even after the uniform comes off.

A typical retreat is simple, and that’s what makes it meaningful. We picked a weekend each year and stick to it so people can plan. We stay in one place together, usually a host’s home or a shared rental. We might go out and see the area or do something as a group, but the best parts are always the quiet moments. Sitting around, laughing, telling stories. For a few days, we’re not dealing with the stress of everyday life. We’re just Marines again.

We also take time to remember our brothers who have passed. Their families are still part of us. We check in, offer support, and let them know they’re not forgotten. Whether it’s helping with expenses or just being there, we stand by them too.

When people ask why these retreats matter, I tell them the truth. They save lives. They save marriages, jobs, and friendships. Most of us don’t open up easily, but when we’re together, the walls come down. There’s no judgment, just understanding. It’s not about sitting on a couch talking to a stranger. This is real. This is how we heal.

If someone asked why they should give to this foundation, I’d say this. We served our country. We gave everything we had. Now, we’re just asking for a little help, not for ourselves but for the brotherhood. Your support helps us keep these men connected and cared for. It helps bring someone out of isolation. It helps save a life.

Looking ahead, I want every retreat to be fully funded so no Marine has to think twice about attending. I also want to expand what we offer, helping families, covering travel for those in need, and getting our guys into programs like Warriors Ascent. We’re not just a group of veterans. We’re a family. And we take care of our own.

There are so many ways to help. Donations, sponsorships, sharing our story, even just asking what’s needed. Every bit counts.

The best part of all of this? It’s seeing someone show up for the first time, and by the end, they’re smiling, laughing, and already talking about coming back next year. That moment when someone says, “I’ll never miss another one of these,” that’s what makes it all worth it. For those few days, it feels like we’re 18 again. And that feeling, you can’t put a price on it.

Looking Ahead
What started as a simple reunion turned into something much more. At first, it was about reconnecting. But as the stories came out, the laughter returned, and the weight started to lift, it became clear these weren’t just reunions, they were retreats. They were helping Marines heal in ways most of the world doesn’t see or understand.

The Foundation for Golf Company 2/3 was built on that realization. It exists to bring Marines back together, to give them space to feel understood, and to remind each other that no one has to go it alone.

If you served with Golf 2/3, this is your family. If you’re someone who wants to help, your support can make these retreats possible and, in some cases, make all the difference.

Thanks for reading, and Semper Fi.