Warrior Getaway Gave This Veteran Family a New Community

By Joni and Friends|Published On: June 2, 2026|Categories: Warrior Getaway|

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:8 

Deployed in Iraq in 2004, Andy narrowly escaped death when his vehicle was hit by enemy fire. After pulling himself through the turret of his tank, Andy recalls taking stock of his body—and the missing portion of his right leg, lost in the explosion. Returning home to recover, Andy couldn’t imagine how God would use his amputation to write a beautiful new chapter in his life.

Julia and Andy Butterworth are smiling and posing outdoors with their two sons and daughter, with trees and grass in the background.

In 2016, Andy’s friends introduced him to Julia, a woman missing her left leg since birth. Having struggled with years of unprocessed trauma, drowning out his pain with substances and distractions, Andy got a sense from God that Julia had been sent to invite him into a new way of life.

When Andy and Julia got married and had three children, Jana, Hudson, and Henry, their family dealt with the unique difficulties of two parents missing a leg caring for three children who love to run and play. And beyond the physical challenges they faced, Andy and Julia acknowledged that they needed to find deep healing from the trauma and grief woven through their story.

Discovering Healing at Warrior Getaway

Julia first heard about Warrior Getaway through a Joni and Friends Grief Share program. And when they arrived at Warrior Getaway, Julia’s family found not only the healing they sought, but joy—and even a reunion with a fellow Veteran who served alongside Andy in Iraq. 

Julia and Andy are sitting next to each other listening to a speaker among a group of people.

For Julia, Warrior Getaway offered just the encouragement she was craving. As she says:

“Andy and I are building our relationship and Warrior Getaway gave us the tools we need, provided counselors, and gave us a chance to connect with other couples and families going through similar struggles.” 

For Andy, seeing his whole family welcomed and embraced brought relief and refreshment. 

Julia is sitting and reading a children’s book to her daughter.

“The people here are amazing,” says Andy. “They make everybody feel welcome. They’re here for you—for your whole family.” 

Warrior Getaway also created a safe place for Andy and Julia to talk about difficult subjects, praying for healing that will flow into their children’s lives.

“We want to do our best not to bring our past traumas to our kids,” Andy says. “And by the grace of God, we’re getting to do this at the right time to give our kids the best.” 

Support our Veterans!

You can offer respite, healing, and joy in Christ to U.S. Veterans and their families navigating visible and invisible disabilities caused by their sacrificial service to our country. Through your generosity to Joni and Friends, military families in need of healing get a warm welcome at Warrior Getaway!