In the winter months, participants of the nonprofit The Frozen Chosen do the unthinkable. They go to icy lakes, steam rising, as they prepare to plunge into the cold. Outsiders think it’s madness, but to the dedicated, it’s a ritual of resilience and camaraderie. For the Frozen Chosen, it’s more than just a shock to the system–it’s a daily reminder of strength, community, and giving back to others.
The Frozen Chosen took flight in January 2023 after Luke Opp, who is a Marine, realized that he desired to help other veterans and bring them together through an unforeseen outlet called cold plunging. His faith has led him throughout his life and he is fortunate to pay it forward through this venture.
While cold plunging on Flathead Lake, Opp and his friends came up with the name the Frozen Chosen, a nod to the Battle of Chosin, a brutal battle in freezing weather during the Korean War.
“It’s a play on the battle of Chosin. Three minutes of sacrifice. It’s a test. We have created a culture of camaraderie. If someone comes to me, I will say let’s go! If someone says they can’t do it, we coach them and assist them with their breathing,” Opp said.
Cold plunge participant and personal trainer Heidi Rendina raved about her experience taking the plunge one cold morning in winter.
“It was a great experience. Some people were newbies. People who were experienced encouraged others to do hard things. Camaraderie, coming together early in the morning, and great fellowship,” Rendina said.
Cold plunges, once a fringe wellness trend, is now backed by growing research showing benefits ranging from improved mental clarity to reduced inflammation, less muscle soreness and faster recovery. Some studies suggest cold plunges may also reduce symptoms of mild depression and improve sleep, which may help some veterans.
Many veterans also struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Cold plunging has been beneficial for both. Cold exposure activates the vagus nerve which, over time, helps the body to shift out of high-stress states to more calm states, improving the vagal tone. It helps people with TBIs to limit secondary brain injuries. Cold exposure stimulates the vagus nerve, improving parasympathetic balance, and leading to sharper focus and reduced fatigue.
The Frozen Chosen not only helps build camaraderie and encourages healthy practices like cold plunging, it also provides funds for military families struggling financially. When Opp first started the nonprofit, he had hoped to offer a tank of gas or a free meal. Now Opp, who is a general contractor, is remodeling the home of U.S. Marine Warren Childs to make it ADA compliant.
In 2009, Childs was left with a severe concussion injury after an incident during the Afghanistan War. The Childs Family has benefitted from the generosity and outreach of the Frozen Chosen through funds raised by the 4 Miles to Freedom Fun Run, an event put on by the Frozen Chosen and hosted by Happy’s Inn in Libby. Opp even provided a mobile cold plunge to the event for use after the run.
The Childs family have been involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) especially in opening up their home to families in need when a suicide or other traumatic events occur.
“It’s been a humbling blessing to be on the receiving end,” Christine Childs said, who is Warren’s wife.
The 4 Miles to Freedom Fun Run took place July 6, 2025 and raised more than $50,000 for the Childs remodel. Tunnel to Towers, a foundation that supports first responders, military heroes, and homeless veterans, has also contributed to the Childs home renovation.
Christine highlighted the safety that would come from the remodel, as well as the peace of mind that it would give Warren and his family.
“We don’t have a bathroom that is safe if his body gives out on him,” Christine said.
With the addition of a new ADA compliant bathroom, Opp is building a new office for Childs to regroup and have time away from his busy household of four children. When completed, the whole house will be ADA compliant.
The remodel, which began in October 2024, is scheduled to be finished by April 2026.
Opp extended an invite for the public to participate in July’s 4 Miles to Freedom Fun Run at Happy’s Inn as well as their daily cold plunges which take place before sunrise at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork. Currently, Opp and his all-volunteer board are looking for referrals for the next veteran they can help when the Childs remodel is finished. For more information or to send a donation go to TheFrozenChosen.com.