When Mother Nature strikes our communities with devastating storms, tornadoes and flooding, SDIA is quick to deploy Disaster Response Teams to the affected areas. Deployed SDIA Members are able to use their skills to provide immediate “impact assistance” through tree and debris removal, muck-out operations, covering damaged roofs and windows, distributing food & water, and other meaningful tasks. Our Members, particularly those with physical and emotional wounds suffered in combat or the line of duty, often suffer through depression and feel as though they can no longer make significant contributions to society. Helping their fellow citizens and Sheep Dogs in these tangible ways, while working alongside peers, facilitates healing and gives many a renewed sense of purpose.
SDIA’s strength lies in small, localized, independent chapters and teams made up of those already trained and ready to help: your community’s current and former military, emergency and law enforcement personnel.
HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT
- All Active Members of SDIA are current or former military or public safety personnel (Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, and/or EMS).
- Our Disaster Response Teams are well-trained and equipped professionals who understand the Emergency Management System and know how a Chain of Command works. We strive to integrate seamlessly and safely with first responders on the scene and not get in the way.
The structure and focus behind our disaster response missions is as follows.
- General Community Assistance – clearing roads and debris, chainsaw and/or muck-out operations, filling sand bags, etc. We will do whatever we can to assist communities in need. We welcome any and all challenges…helping others is what matters.
- Provide necessities when possible (water, non-perishable foods, basic medical supplies, tarps and blankets, etc.)
- Helping is Healing – The idea that helping others enables one to heal from physical or emotional wounds…over time, helping others can be the “cure” for many wounds. Perspective is key.
OUR MISSION
To provide a civilian framework through which trained emergency and military personnel extend their service to society; to assist our neighbors in times of disaster and our own in times of hardship; and to respond independently, efficiently and strategically, achieving the greatest impact possible.