As we move into the season of gratitude, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) continues to honor, engage, and empower our nation’s heroes (our Veterans and First Responders) through service, community, and post-traumatic growth.
From the upcoming Turkey Trot for Heroes to milestone anniversaries and impactful missions, here’s the latest from across Sheep Dog Nation.
🦃 The 18th Annual Turkey Trot for Heroes — Thanksgiving Morning
Mark your calendars! The Turkey Trot for Heroes returns Thanksgiving morning, November 27, at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers, Arkansas.
Join hundreds of runners, families, and supporters for a fun-filled morning that honors those who serve.
All proceeds directly support SDIA’s programs that help veterans and first responders Get Off The Couch™ and rediscover purpose.
🏃♂️ Not in Northwest Arkansas? You can still join from anywhere in the country with our Virtual Turkey Trot! 👉 Register Today – Early Bird Pricing ends November 1!
Strengthening Bonds through Outdoor Adventures
This fall, SDIA partnered with the VA District 3 Vet Centers to host an unforgettable Outdoor Adventure in scenic South Dakota, a trip designed to strengthen the bonds between Veterans and their spouses.
Outdoor Adventures like this aren’t just about physical challenge; they’re about rebuilding trust, communication, and emotional resilience. By bringing couples together in nature, SDIA helps them re-ignite connection and build healthier pathways toward growth and healing.
📸 See More: Learn about SDIA’s Outdoor Adventures »
Celebrating 5 Years of Warrior PATHH
SDIA is proudly celebrating five years of Warrior PATHH — the nation’s first-ever peer-led program designed to guide combat veterans and first responders from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth (PTG).
To date, SDIA has hosted nearly 70 Warrior PATHH courses at Heroes Ranch, helping transform more than 900 lives through this powerful, evidence-based training.
We’re deeply grateful to our partners at the Boulder Crest Foundation and to our generous donors who have made these five years of healing and hope possible.
💫 Learn More: Warrior PATHH at SDIA »
Disaster Response: Bringing Hope to Liberty Hill, TX
When devastating floods struck Central Texas this summer, nearly 100 SDIA volunteers deployed to Liberty Hill to provide critical relief.
These Disaster Response Mission (DRM) teams cleared debris, recovered family belongings, and restored hope for those who lost so much.
This mission is part of SDIA’s Continued Service initiative, which empowers veterans and first responders to heal through serving others, proving that helping is healing.
📷 Read the full story: SDIA Disaster Response Missions »
Ambassador Spotlight: Darin Carter
Meet Darin Carter, an SDIA Ambassador from Branson, Missouri, whose story exemplifies courage and transformation.
A retired Law Enforcement Officer injured in the line of duty in Taney County, Darin has turned his own journey of recovery into one of purpose, mentoring others through their struggles and encouraging them to find growth on the other side of trauma.
Interested in becoming a voice for post-traumatic growth in your community?
👉 Apply to Become an SDIA Ambassador: sheepdogia.org/ambassadors
Upcoming Events Around Sheep Dog Nation
Stay connected, volunteer, and give back this season, there’s something for everyone!
📦 Nov 24 & 26: Thanksgiving Outreach Packout & Delivery
Center for Nonprofits, Rogers, AR
🏃♂️ Nov 27: SDIA Turkey Trot for Heroes
Center for Nonprofits, Rogers, AR | 9–11 AM
💙 Dec 2: Giving Tuesday — Every dollar helps us serve more Sheep Dogs!
💪 Dec 6: CrossFit Reverence Tournament Honoring Fallen Law Enforcement
CrossFit Reverence, Rogers, AR
🎄 Dec 11–12: Christmas Market – Get Your Last-Minute Gifts
Center for Nonprofits, Rogers, AR
✨ Apr 25, 2026: Heroes Gala
Rogers Convention Center | Celebrate 16 Years of SDIA!
15 Years of Impact and Counting
Since its founding in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2010, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance has grown into a national nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans and first responders reclaim their sense of purpose.
Over the past 15 years, SDIA has:
- Served 23,700+ Veterans and First Responders through Outdoor Adventures, Warrior PATHH, and Continued Service.
- Hosted 250+ Outdoor Adventures across the U.S.
- Delivered thousands of hours of disaster response and community support.
- Built Heroes Ranch, a 365-day operational retreat for post-traumatic growth.
Your continued generosity keeps this mission alive, and every dollar makes a difference.
Support Our Mission: Donate Today »
Stay Connected with Sheep Dog Nation
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for real-time updates, volunteer opportunities, and stories of resilience from across the country. Heroes Ranch has their own Facebook page; watch the cows and get updates on ongoings on the ranch there!
Because together, we don’t just thank our heroes, we serve them.
