During late August and early September, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) sent supplies and Disaster Response Teams (DRTs) to flood-ravaged Louisiana to help with recovery efforts. Water levels in the area had reached the first floor ceilings and damaged thousands of homes and businesses. As heartbreaking as it was to see and work amid this devastation, our Teams were honored to do whatever they could to help.
SDIA members and volunteers deployed from the Northwest Arkansas, Kansas, and Greater Cincinnati Chapters the last week in August. They worked long and hard to provide flood recovery assistance to residents in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area. Donated supplies were dropped off at a depot designated for First Responders only.

In the 5 days that Teams were there, DRTs worked nearly 40 hours mucking (cleaning) out 9 homes, as well as the 911 Dispatch Center in Livingston Parish. Of the 9 homes, six belonged to First Responders or their families. Work included removing water damaged flooring, walls, and belongings – in many cases literally down to the cement foundation and studs – as well as debris removal, and other relief efforts as needed

Helping Louisiana residents in need not only provided SDIA members with an opportunity to use their skills and training, it also offered the camaraderie many miss, and gave members a sense of purpose. Those who have taken an oath to protect and serve their country and communities often face challenges returning to civilian life after a shift or tour of duty ends.
Disaster response missions are just one of the programs SDIA has for members to give back to communities and fellow Sheep Dogs – the men and women who make up our nation’s military and first responder professions. SDIA offers continued service opportunities for its members to satisfy their innate desire to serve and help those around them. They provide “impact assistance” that fosters growth and healing for all involved through disaster response missions, holiday assistance programs, and outdoor adventures.

If you are interested in becoming involved with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance, please visit the member/volunteer registration page click here.
SDIA is funded solely by the generosity of the public and corporate sponsors. We receive no federal or local government backing, and all donations and fundraising proceeds are used to fund SDIA’s various Sheep Dog support programs as well as to provide materials and supplies for disaster response missions. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the Donate page on our website at www.SheepDogIA.org/donate-money.