Originally published July 8, 2025 at 8:11 PM CDT; reported by Lauren Motley. View the story on their website here.

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — As Sheep Dog Impact Assistance nears its 15th anniversary celebration, a veteran member speaks on the impact the organization has had on his life.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is a nonprofit organization that gives veterans, first responders, and active military members opportunities to serve their communities and reconnect with a sense of purpose. This includes disaster response missions and programs such as the Warrior PATHH and Outdoor Adventures.

“We treat the wounds that you can’t see when people come back from combat or they retire after a life of service,” said Makenna Hudson, Marketing Manager for SDIA, “We can’t see the mental and the emotional wounds that they’re left with, and an organization like Sheep Dog treats those and focuses on those, and asks the questions that maybe you don’t want to answer.”

Marine veteran Jason Adcock joined SDIA about five years ago after being referred to the Outdoor Adventures program by a therapist. He says over the years, the programs Sheep Dog provides have helped turn his life around.

“When I got to that adventure, I was completely lost. I didn’t want to do anything. I was just hopeless. I felt like I had no value, no real self-worth anymore,” said Adcock, “And somewhere along the way, I started to smile again.”

After joining his first Outdoor Adventure, Adcock completed the Warrior PATHH Program, which taught him new skills to cope with his PTSD. Recently, he has started working for Sheep Dog as a National Outdoor Adventures Coordinator, allowing him to help others in similar situations.

“Without this opportunity. I don’t know where I’d be if I would be anywhere,” said Adcock, “I’m extremely happy all the time, and I just don’t know what else I would do had that door not been open.”

Sheep Dog will be hosting its 15th anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 12, at SDIA Heroes Ranch in Missouri. The event is open to the public. Heroes Ranch is located at 355 Eternity Lane, Pineville, MO 64856 and the event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m..

You can find out more about the event and RSVP here.