C4: Giving Navy Seal families a respite

THE C4 FOUNDATION

The C4 Foundation seeks to strengthen family relationships and enhance support networks for the SEAL community and their immediate families. Located in San Diego’s Mesa Grande region, the C4 Ranch, a 560-acre property, houses a number of safari tents where Navy SEALS and their families can enjoy time together before, during and after deployment. Glamping Business Americas Publisher Steph Curtis Raleigh spoke with Charles Keating III to find out more about The C4 Foundation.

The C4 foundation’s goal is to alleviate stress for Navy SEALS and assist their families in the transitions of deployment as set out in their mission statement:

“The C4 Foundation honors the legacy of Charles Humphrey Keating IV, a heroic Navy SEAL who was deeply rooted in his community and who gave his life defending our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Founded by Charlie’s family, the C4 Foundation’s goal is to research, develop and implement evidence-based solutions to maintain family unity within this elite group of warriors.”

Speaking about The C4 Foundation and its creation Charles said, “My son a Navy SEAL was KIA in Iraq in 2016 so we decided to honor his life by doing something that would matter to him. He was all about family, so we decided to do something for his brothers (SEAL teammates) whom he loved. Their lifestyle is extremely stressful. They are gone on training missions or deployment for long periods of time and both are extremely dangerous. The wives and kids are left to handle all the daily grinds of life and it is extremely stressful for them also. So, we decided to give them a place where they can go with their families to reconnect and destress before, during and after deployments.”

Accommodation comes in the form of Bushtec safari tents that were chosen when a C4 foundation board member met Bushtec’s Chief Executive Officer Gary Flaks, “A board member went to the Glamping show in Colorado Springs in October 2019 and met Gary Flaks from Bushtec and was impressed by the tents and the quality was exactly what we were looking for. It gave us exactly what we were looking for, a beautiful, affordable and quick way to get housing for the families coming to the ranch. The tents are strong, withstand all the elements and have an enduring quality and look about them.

The reaction to the glamping tents has been huge. We obviously have a younger audience and they love the concept and are overwhelmed by the size and quality of the tents. They have a sense of adventure and romantic feel to them.”

Guests at the C4 Ranch can enjoy their time however they choose, whether that be relaxing with their family, or getting involved in some of the many activities offered, “It is much like a dude ranch in that we offer the families a place to come and destress after deployments and reconnect with the family. We have horses, chickens, pigs, alpacas and cattle that all the kids love. We will also have archery, bike paths, fishing and many other ranch type activities.”

Speaking about future plans for the ranch, Charles said, “We hope to have additional housing so that we can accommodate more families.” If you’d like to find out more about The C4 Foundation, you can find their website at c4foundation.org.