Female Veterans Conquer Challenges in the Black Hills of SD
Recently, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) took a group of 20 female Veterans on an unforgettable Outdoor Adventure (OA) to the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area.Packed with activities and challenging experiences, all our Sheep Dogs were excited about the events, and looked forward to connecting with fellow Sheep Dogs to find the camaraderie that many were missing. “Visiting Mount Rushmore opened my eyes to the power of human creativity and the stories carved into history, inspiring me to seek out new experiences beyond my comfort zone. That spirit of adventure has transformed my life, making me braver, more curious, and eager to explore the world’s wonders. Every journey with SDIA feels like a chance to discover new places, meet other great Sheep Dogs, and heal my mind and heart."
OA Participant The group went on the Big Thunder Gold Mine tour and...
Inside Heroes Ranch: An of Adventure, Healing, & Growth for Heroes
Amazing Things Are Happening at Heroes Ranch!
This past week, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance welcomed a group of incredible veterans and first responders to Heroes Ranch for another unforgettable Outdoor Adventure. From trail rides and fishing to camaraderie around the campfire, it was a weekend filled with connection, healing, and rediscovering the best parts of life.
Outdoor Adventures is built to get veterans and first responders off the couch and back into living their best life — and that’s exactly what happened at Heroes Ranch. We’re #blessedbeyondmeasure to witness the resilience, strength, and spirit of those we serve.
Check out some of the moments we captured below!
Stay connected with us for more upcoming Outdoor Adventures and other opportunities to #getoffthecouch and thrive.
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SDIA Yellowstone Outdoor Adventure
The #SDIA #OutdoorAdventure team is dedicated to organizing thrilling and awe-inspiring Outdoor Adventure experiences. Our participants gain insights into posttraumatic growth while relishing the exhilarating moments that Yellowstone offers. These men and women have experienced the thrill of the national park and the life-changing introduction to posttraumatic growth. Bringing home with them revitalized spirits and powerful insights into their trauma and their growth potential.
Who We Are
Founded in 2010, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is the national non-profit providing charitable services benefiting the overall well-being of our nation’s “Sheep Dogs” (military personnel, veterans, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS) through Outdoor Adventures (physical activity), Warrior PATHH training (mental wellness) and Continued Service/Disaster Response (volunteerism) programs – called our Get Off The Couch® programming.
Top 3 Causes of Sheep Dog Suicide
Post Traumatic Stress (PTS)
Military personnel, veterans, and first responders suffering with PTS-related symptoms and depression are often self-isolated or medicated to dull symptoms.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
People suffering with TBI may not even understand that their symptoms -- such as difficulty concentrating, anger, anxiety, fatigue, depression or light/sound sensitivity -- are due to a physical injury, not inevitable reactions to their battlefield experiences.
Addiction
More than 1 in 5 veterans with PTS suffer from the burden of co-occurring dependence on drugs or alcohol. And over 70% of veterans who die by suicide are either drunk or high at the time of their death.
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SDIA Yellowstone Outdoor Adventure
The #SDIA #OutdoorAdventure team is dedicated to organizing thrilling and awe-inspiring Outdoor Adventure experiences. Our participants gain insights into posttraumatic growth while relishing the exhilarating moments that Yellowstone offers. These men and women have experienced the thrill of the national park and the life-changing introduction to posttraumatic growth. Bringing home with them revitalized spirits and powerful insights into their trauma and their growth potential.
If you are interested in learning more about the #SDIA#OutdoorAdventures, please visit https://sheepdogia.org/mission/outdoor-adventures/
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Sheep Dog Nation Podcast Episode 5
Lance Nutt engages in a conversation with Richard Oakley, a retired undercover DEA agent, in the latest episode of the Sheep Dog Nation Podcast. They’ll delve into Richard’s intriguing career and experiences. Listen or watch now!
4 Purple Heart Recipients Need Your Support to Climb Kilimanjaro
KILI CLIMB FOR A CAUSE
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is honored to be part of Sam's Furniture's Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause happening in August.
The "Kili Climb for a Cause" climbing team, sponsored by Sam’s Furniture in Springdale, Arkansas, includes owners, Joe & Larra Donaldson, a video production team, and ten Veterans - four of which are Purple Heart recipients (single- and double-limb amputees).
This adventure was featured on the March 1, 2020, Fox & Friends show and was originally scheduled for July 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled for August 2021.
WHY ARE WE CLIMBING?
The Kilimanjaro Climb for a Cause was created to inspire all individuals to face challenges head-on and work to overcome them. Summiting Kilimanjaro is a huge undertaking and accomplishment for a person without physical injuries to deal with. For those like our Purple Heart recipients who...
SDIA a Member of the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network to Help Veterans, First Responders Heal
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is honored to announce that they are a proud member of the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network (now called Avalon Action Alliance), a new cognitive health and mental wellness network providing transformative care to veterans and first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse launched by the Gary Sinise Foundation on February 16. The Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network builds on the work of the Marcus Institute for Brain Health and the Boulder Crest Foundation’s Warrior PATHH program. They will establish 20 treatment sites nationwide, including one in Northwest Arkansas where SDIA will deliver the Warrior PATHH program.
“We are incredibly honored to be a member of the Gary Sinise Foundation Avalon Network,” said SDIA founder and CEO, SgtMaj Lance Nutt, USMC (Ret.). “Our mission has always been to engage, assist and empower our nation’s Sheep Dogs (veterans and first responders) to Get Off The Couch™...
SDIA’s Warrior PATHH Training Program is Now Available!
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) will host the first Warrior PATHH training class in Northwest Arkansas next month, and we are so excited to help our nation's heroes transform times of deep struggle into profound strength and lifelong growth. The March class is full, but we have classes available throughout the year for you to participate in. Here is our class availability: March 13-19, 2021 – FULL
April 14-20, 2021 - 7 spots available May 14-20, 2021 (Female only) - 3 spots available June 23-29, 2021 - 6 spots available September 18-24, 2021 - 6 spots available October 16-22, 2021 - 8 spots available November 15-21, 2021 (Female only) - 8 spots available December 4-10, 2021 - 8 spots available
We want you (and Sheep Dogs you know) to take this first brave step in making peace with your past, living in the present, and planning for a great future.
Interested? Start the process by completing this Form.
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