Originally aired/published on July 8, 2025, at 7:14AM CDT; reported by Jacob Luthi. View the story here.

While not involved in active search and rescue operations, Sheep Dog will deliver supplies to flood victims, clear debris, and provide support to first responders.

ROGERS, Ark. — A group known for running toward the storm is heading south to help flood-stricken communities in Texas.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), a Rogers-based nonprofit made up of military veterans and former first responders, is mobilizing this week to provide relief in the aftermath of devastating flooding across the Lone Star State.

While the group won’t be involved in active search and rescue operations, they are playing a vital support role: delivering supplies to flood victims, clearing debris, and providing relief to overwhelmed first responders.

“Us having boots on the ground to begin helping sometimes in those outlying areas where they’re not getting a lot of attention, is where we specialize best,” CEO of SDIA Sergeant Major Lance Nutt said.  

With teams already on the ground in Texas, Sheep Dog members are actively assessing damage and identifying the areas most in need. 

Nutt said the goal is to fill critical support gaps so larger emergency crews can focus on heavily impacted zones.

“Our primary mission a lot of times has to do with chainsaws, where we go in and help clear trees and debris out of roads and driveways that can assist one with first responders getting into areas so that they can make sure people are safe and being treated,” Nutt said. “But also allowing people to get back to their homes and begin to pick up the pieces and start life over again.” 

As conditions improve, Nutt said the group will shift focus to clean-up efforts and longer-term relief. 

Nutt added that he has heard that crews there are overwhelmed with people wanting to help. He said additional support will be deployed later in the week as volunteers need to rotate out. 

“Later in the week, going into next weekend, we’ll start to ramp up operations as members kind of flow into the area,” Nutt said. “We will begin to help with debris removal and muck out work as we try to help people get back on their feet.” 

The SDIA team will deploy Sunday, July 13, through Friday, July 18, to the central Texas region near Austin. If you are unable to deploy for the full 5-day mission, you can still volunteer if you provide your own transportation.