The principal issue that Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) addresses through its Get Off The Couch programming is the prevention of suicides among military personnel, veterans, and first responder communities. Tragically, the United States has lost more warriors to suicide than on the battlefield. Each year since 2002, the suicide rate among veterans has continued to rise, with recent data showing that around 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Furthermore, veterans are 1.5 times more likely than non-veterans to die by suicide, underscoring the critical need for programs that support mental health and resilience in this community. Our first responders face similarly alarming challenges. Studies show that 32% of first responders suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a rate that is notably higher than the general population. This elevated risk is reflected in their suicide statistics: more than twice as many first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty. For firefighters alone, rates of suicide are estimated to be 10 times higher than the rates for line-of-duty deaths. These numbers highlight the urgent need for preventive care and proactive mental health support within these communities. SDIA’s mission is to engage, assist, and empower these Sheep Dogs through the Get Off The Couch programming, which is designed to improve their overall physical and mental well-being. To achieve this, SDIA partners with renowned organizations such as the Boulder Crest Foundation and the Avalon Action Alliance to deliver the Warrior PATHH program—a training program that focuses on post-traumatic growth, helping participants turn trauma into strength and resilience. In addition to Warrior PATHH, SDIA’s Outdoor Adventures and Continued Service/Disaster Response programming provide opportunities for Sheep Dogs to engage in meaningful activities, connect with their peers, and introduce the concepts of camaraderie, support, and purpose—all essential components of mental wellness and suicide prevention. The Heroes Ranch serves as the primary hub for SDIA’s Get Off The Couch programming. Located in Pineville, Missouri, this facility offers a safe and supportive environment for participants to access life-changing programming and connect with others who understand their struggles. To maximize its usability for Get Off The Couch programming, SDIA is seeking resources to further enhance the Heroes Ranch as a center for healing, growth, and family connection for the Sheep Dog community and their families.

Warriors: Your Next Mission Awaits

You’ve lived a life of service, putting everything on the line for others. Now it’s time for a different kind of mission – one that’s about you, your future, and rediscovering who you are beyond the uniform.

At Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, we know the transition isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve created something different: high-octane outdoor adventures that tap into the same spirit of challenge, camaraderie, and peer support you knew in service.

Whether you’re RZR riding through the backcountry, hiking mountain peaks, navigating whitewater rapids, enjoying the serenity of fly-fishing, skydiving, scuba diving, or snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow warriors who understand where you’ve been. 

These aren’t just day trips – they’re opportunities to:
·       Reclaim the leadership and confidence that defined your service
·       Build bonds with others who speak your language
·       Push your limits and remind yourself what you’re capable of
·       Find purpose and mission in civilian life

From the beauty of Yellowstone to the beaches of Hawaii to our very own Heroes Ranch., we’re taking warriors on life-changing adventures across America. The challenge is waiting. The team is ready. All that’s missing is you.

Ready to be part of something special? Reach out to us at SWest@SheepDogIA.org or JEvans@sheepdogia.org to secure your spot. Whether you’re eager to join in or know someone who would thrive in our supportive brotherhood, we’d love to hear from you. The adventure of a lifetime is just an email away!

Ready to get back in the fight? Join us and #GetOffTheCouch

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