How You Can Help Carolina Flood Victims
ConnectingVets.com story by Phil Briggs (9/20/18, 12:45pm)
Sergeant Major Lance Nutt had barely finished his retirement ceremony last Thursday, when he packed his bags, loaded up trailers and headed to Wilmington, NC, along with members of the organization he founded, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA).
“Just getting into areas like Lumberton and Wilmington, NC was next to impossible because the roads were either completely flooded, or washed out,” he says.
SDIA’s Initial Response Team members are no strangers to disaster relief. The veteran-staffed relief organization was on site to assist residents after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas one year ago. Now, as a tent city comes together in a Home Depot parking lot in North Carolina, they have 60-100 veterans who break into teams to perform chainsaw work and delivery of food and supplies.
“Home Depot and Operation BBQ Relief have been great. They’ve partnered with us and are making it possible for us to get the supplies and deliver meals. We’re currently packing over 300 meals for delivery today,” says Nutt.
Click here to continue reading…
Read more: “How You Can Help Carolina Flood Victims”
SDIA Deploys Disaster Response Teams to North Carolina
Hurricane/Tropical Storm Florence has slammed North and South Carolina with life-threatening storm surges, heavy rains and severe flooding. On Friday, September 14, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) sent a small Disaster Response (DR) team to the coast to assess damage and needs. A second DR team (DRT #2) deployed from the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers on Monday, September 17, bringing with them 30+ SDIA members from numerous chapters and teams, as well as tools, fuel and supplies to conduct recovery efforts, including tree and debris removal and muck-out operations.
On Saturday, the six-man DRT #1 arrived in Lumberton, NC, and worked alongside the #CajunNavy and other organizations to rescue and evacuate residents trapped by fast-rising floodwaters. DRT #1 also helped clear downed trees from one property and Highway 41 allowing motorists continue on their way. Sunday the team began making their way toward the Wilmington, NC, area. By Tuesday, seven SDIA teams and chapters will have deployed members, with more adding...
Suicide is the Reason SDIA Empowers Sheep Dogs to #GetOffTheCouch
September is Suicide Prevention Month. Many of us know or know of someone who has committed suicide. We also know that people of all ages, beliefs, professions, ethnic backgrounds and financial situations choose to end their lives. A widely publicized number of suicides for the veteran population is 22 per day, and it is estimated that the number of suicides in our first responder communities could be double that. How can we curb this surge of lives lost? How can we help those that are hurting so deeply? How can we get these brave men and women who are willing to die for us to talk about “it”? At Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), we have seen that it starts with getting Sheep Dogs off the proverbial “couch” – that dark, desolate place that so many get stuck in – and around fellow Sheep Dogs who have suffered similar traumas & experiences. Being among their military and first responder brothers and sisters brings...
Big Fun at 4th Annual Big Boat Bash
What an incredible weekend we had at the 4th Annual Big Boat Bash Street Party and 4th Annual Big Boat Bash Fun Run! The weather was good and our Sheep Dogs hosted on boats had an exhilarating day on the water. Congratulations to Kenneth Davis for his first place winning poker hand, and 2nd & 3rd place winners Karie Maasen and Wendi Maasen (respectively) - THANK YOU ALL for donating your winnings to #SDIA!
Thank you to Beaver Lake Performance and Powerboat Assn, Brian Buckminster, Benjamin Moore, Christopher Kinney and everyone else involved in putting together this event - we are humbled by your support! Special thanks as well to all our sponsors - we could not do what we do without you: Complete Audio Visual, Performance Boat Center, OLD TOWN AUTO BODY AND SALES INC./ PHASER MARINE, Triple Oaks Investments, Prairie...
In The News: “Organization Uses Shooting to Help Veterans Find Purpose” – KNWA Interview
This past Saturday, #SDIA and Kuettel Capital joined forces to sponsor a special Outdoor Adventure for 20 of our nation’s Sheep Dogs (military and first responders). The group spent the day at Spring Valley Anglers Rod & Gun Club and experienced the thrill of shooting a broad range of firearms provided by Spring Valley Anglers and Guns & Grounds. #KNWA stopped by to see how shooting at the range can help our Sheep Dogs.
In The News: “Veteran Suicide Rate Consistent, Organization Gives Vets and First Responders Purpose” – KNWA Interviews SDIA
Last weekend, #SDIA staff members, Michael Nimmo and Jayme Lingo, were interviewed by #KNWA about veteran suicide and how SDIA fights it by helping veterans & first responders #GetOffTheCouch, get reengaged in living life and finding a new purpose. View the video here: Veteran Suicide Rate Consistent, Organization Gives Vets & First Responders Purpose #HelpingOthersIsAWayOfLife #ServiceBeforeSelf
...
SDIA & Skydiving Empower Air Force Veteran to Embrace Life
For Air Force veteran and SDIA Member Dana Ames, jumping out of a plane on June 2 was more than a bucket list item. Like so many, this grandmother allowed life to beat her down and isolate her. But then she joined #SDIA. SDIA is empowering her to get stronger, more fit and to #GetOffTheCouch! “I want to show people that not only is helping others a way of life,” Dana said, “but it also helps yourself!”
At times, many Sheep Dogs feel beaten down, isolated, or depressed. Transitioning from a military or first responder career can be a huge struggle, especially for those injured in combat or the line of duty. These heroes need something or someone to remind them who they are and that they still have much to contribute to making the world a better, safer place. SDIA sponsors these Sheep Dogs for Outdoor Adventures to foster camaraderie and healing in a comfortable setting surrounded by fellow Sheep...