The fire brings us together. The connection carries us forward.
Operation Firewalk brings Veterans, service members, first responders, families and neighbors together for an evening of shared stories, courage and community.
Exact date, venue, tickets and program details will be announced.
Established 2024 · Returning 2027
A spark. A gathering. A next chapter.
The fire was just the beginning.
Ed Parcaut brought the original vision to life with a team of volunteers and Modesto Sunrise Rotary. Helping The Brave is carrying the story forward, with room for people to take part in their own way.
01 / THE BEGINNING
2024
The first Operation Firewalk brought the idea into the community. A shared experience became a reason to gather.
02 / THE CONNECTION
2025
The second gathering took place May 3 at Richards Ranch in Modesto, bringing together attendees, speakers, volunteers and supporters.
03 / THE RETURN
November 2027
The next chapter is planned. We are bringing the community back together and inviting people to help shape what comes next.
The film
A look back at 2024 and 2025.
Watch a look back at the people and moments from our 2024 and 2025 gatherings. Captions are built into the video.
Help light the next fire. Firekeepers contribute time and skills to event operations, guest welcome and community outreach. Volunteer assignments and orientation will be confirmed later.
Keep growing. Stay lit. Brave Walkers is the developing post-walk community for people who have completed an Operation Firewalk firewalk. If you have walked before, or hope to walk in 2027, you can tell us what would make the continuing community useful.
You can be interested in the community without wanting to walk. There is no need to prove your courage or share a personal story to ask about attending.
Firewalking involves physical risk. Participation requirements, supervision, accessibility information and the final event program will be published before registration opens. The event is not treatment for PTSD or other health conditions.
Operation Firewalk began with Ed Parcaut's vision and the work of the founding team, Modesto Sunrise Rotary and dedicated volunteers. Helping The Brave now gives the event a home alongside year-round resources, education and Veteran voices.
Founding team acknowledgments: Ed Parcaut, Ralph Carrasco, Modesto Sunrise Rotary, Abdi Guleed, George Retana and the volunteers who helped bring the gatherings to life.
The return is planned for November 2027. The exact day, venue, schedule and ticket information have not been announced. Dates shown on the older event website refer to past gatherings.
Can I buy a ticket or make a donation here?
Tickets and event registration are not open, and an inquiry does not reserve a place. You can explore partnership opportunities or make a gift on our Sponsor Operation Firewalk page. The sponsorship page explains the current giving options. Event ticket details will be published when confirmed.
Do I have to be a Veteran?
The gathering is intended for Veterans, service members, first responders, families and the wider community. Age requirements and other participation details will be announced with registration.
Do I have to walk across the coals?
You do not have to commit to walking to express interest in the gathering. Walking must be a voluntary choice, subject to the final event requirements and facilitator instructions.
Are Firekeepers firewalking instructors?
No. Firekeepers is the proposed volunteer path. Expressing interest does not qualify or authorize someone to prepare the fire lane, supervise walking or instruct participants. Any specialist roles require separate approval and training.
Is Brave Walkers already running?
Brave Walkers is in development. We are gathering interest, not enrolling members into an active paid program. You can use the existing CIVOPS lessons and HTB resources now.
What about access and accommodations?
The 2027 venue and accessibility arrangements are not confirmed. Contact the team with access questions before making travel plans. We will publish verified details when the venue and program are set.
The next step
Get November 2027 event updates
Ask to hear when Operation Firewalk details are confirmed.
This is an update request, not a ticket or a reserved place.
Please leave out private health or benefits information. Your details are stored for the HTB team only and you can ask us to remove them at any time.
Start a conversation
Be part of what comes next.
Tell the HTB team how you would like to be involved. Event registration and program enrollment are not open yet.
This opens a draft in your email app. Nothing is sent or saved here. You can also email info@helpingthebrave.com directly.
