10 Years of Helping Sheep Dogs #GetOffTheCouch

SDIA IS 10!

It’s hard to believe, but on July 13, 2020, SDIA turned 10 years old. That’s:

10 years of helping our nation’s heroes #GetOffTheCouch;
10 years of Disaster Response Missions and Outdoor Adventures;
10 years of lives changed by bringing Sheep Dogs together; and
10 years of working with amazing volunteers, supporters and sponsors to make it happen.

Here’s a quick look at where we started, and how we got to where we are today.

OUR HISTORY

When Hurricane Katrina wiped out entire communities in 2005, people the world over were shocked by the devastation, and the fact that people sat for days without help…hungry, thirsty, injured, suffering and even dying. As most watched the horror unfold helplessly from their living rooms, the idea of Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) began to take shape when then USMC Gunnery Sergeant Lance Nutt used years of emergency and logistical training to lead a strategic relief effort to Pass Christian, Mississippi. It was through this mission that SDIA was born. (You can read the full story of our history here.)

The first Sheep Dog Disaster Response Team: Larry Nutt, Eric Vest, Lance Nutt

A destroyed church in Pass Christian. The storm surge went as high as the roof – at least 20 feet

This is all that was left of the Pass Christian Police Station following Hurricane Katrina

It took a few years of planning to get going, but the nonprofit paperwork was filed in 2009, and in December the first official mission using the name “Sheep Dog Impact Assistance” took place at Al Asad, Iraq. SDIA adopted more than 60 young service men and women for Christmas, including members of the civilian-manned fire station on base. They received goody bags filled with cookies, candy & support material. SDIA also assisted with the adoption of an Iraqi school, providing the children with water, gifts and school supplies.

The very first SDIA flag, made and flown in Al Asad

2010 TO 2019 – Growth & Expansion

From seeing Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, to taking action, to continuing those efforts has culminated in all that SDIA has become over the past 10 years. We have grown, developed & refined our programs, and expanded our impact across the United States.

When you get down to it, our mission is to help Sheep Dogs – Military Veterans and First Responders – #GetOffTheCouch by engaging, assisting and empowering these brave men and women through Disaster Response Missions and Outdoor Adventures. By gathering together Sheep Dogs who have suffered similar traumas and experiences for an opportunity to continue serving, we strive to prevent suicides in our Veteran and First Responder communities. Joining in our continued service opportunities satisfies Sheep Dogs’ innate desire to serve, and the camaraderie and peer support they receive fosters healing and is critical to their well-being. When Sheep Dogs #GetOffTheCouch, their attitude and perspective are drastically improved, and many find a renewed sense of purpose. For Sheep Dogs, “Helping Others is a Way of Life” and “Helping is Healing.”

Tarping a roof on a Disaster Response Mission

Sheep Dogs mucking out a building on a Disaster Response Mission

57 DISASTER RESPONSE MISSIONS

Since 2010, SDIA has deployed on 57 Disaster Response Missions (DRMs). Of those missions, 13 were responses to hurricanes, 14 to floods, 25 to tornadoes, and 5 were to support firefighters battling wildfires on the West Coast. On those DRM teams were 1,071 volunteers who assisted 12,294 people, and cleared trees & debris from 878 properties. Volunteers also distributed: 15,439 lbs of food & meals; 6,156 cases of water/sports drinks/juice; and 28,352 lbs supplies (cleaning, medical, hygiene & misc).

“At the end of each day [on the DRM] I felt like I had helped to truly make a difference in the lives of all those we assisted and went to bed looking forward to what the next day would bring. By the time we loaded up to head home, my body was physically worn out, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. One of the most rewarding ways to give back is to go on a DRM. Touching the lives of people who are sometimes at their most vulnerable, and leaving with them so appreciative of your efforts is worth every bruise and sore muscle.” -DRM Volunteer

“My experiences are overwhelmingly great when I go [on a DRM]. I am emotionally excited, physically drained and thoroughly fulfilled each time. These trips are life changing for those that volunteer to serve, and I am no different.” -Marine Veteran and Law Enforcement Officer

“Overall this was the most life changing thing I have been a part of this year. I was one who volunteered quite regularly while I was in the military. Unfortunately I had let that part of me slip a little bit. I had started to wonder if I would find a group like this any time soon where I feel drive to get more involved. Joining SDIA and deploying was just what I had been searching for to fill a self-worth void.” -Air Force Veteran

Sand bag filling and distribution ahead of flooding in Arkansas, June 2019

Mucking out a church in Freeport, Bahamas, Sept 2019

136 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

90+ Sheep Dogs after an appearance on Fox & Friends in NYC during the NYC Outdoor Adventure, Sept 2019

90+ Sheep Dogs at the Statue of Liberty during the NYC Outdoor Adventure, Sept 2019

Since 2010, SDIA has hosted 124 Outdoor Adventures and sponsored 1,675 Sheep Dogs for “bucket list” and physically challenging activities that have positively impacted their lives.

10 Major Outdoor Adventures – including New York City and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K (x2); Yosemite National Park; Washington, DC; Nantahala River (3x); Yellowstone National Park (x2); and Buffalo River
73 Hunting, Shooting, Fishing, Hiking, Boating & Other Adventures – 888 Sponsored Sheep Dogs
63 Obstacle Course & Running Races, Skydiving, Skiing, Scuba Diving, Snowmobiling and other Adventures & #GetOffTheCouch events – 787 Sponsored Sheep Dogs

Our Outdoor Adventures not only provide Sheep Dogs with an opportunity for time away from day-to-day issues and anxiety, but particularly for sponsored Sheep Dogs – those veterans and/or first responders injured in combat/line of duty or experiencing intense stressors – spending time outdoors with fellow Sheep Dogs is exactly what is needed. It fosters camaraderie, organic healing, and many times leads to a renewed sense of purpose to reengage in living a productive and meaningful life.

“I was able to get out and participate in something that I didn’t think I was able to do anymore [because of my injuries]. I also learned that just being around other men that are struggling like me can be a type of therapy.” –Marine veteran and quadruple amputee

“I always attempt to get off the couch as much as possible, but the weight I have put on makes it difficult to prolong the adventure. I became an SDIA member in 2018, and it has been the most motivating factor to get up and go out with the guys. The camaraderie of being around guys the same as me makes me motivated to try and get better. Even my wife stated I come back a different person [after an Outdoor Adventure] and wants me to continue going.” –Marine Veteran

“Depression & lack of motivation have sometimes plagued me due to the complexity of 30 years in law enforcement; that combined with the death of co-workers throughout the years. Participating in events like this [Outdoor Adventure] definitely helps negative internal emotions, and I easily was able to relax and have fun!! For me, it also helps to be with others who may be struggling, and then be able to help them anyway possible…by motivating, assisting, or simply by listening.” –Law Enforcement Officer