SDIA Outdoor Adventures Inspire Veterans, First Responders to #GetOffTheCouch
Outdoor Adventures Foster Healing for Veterans & First Responders From late March through early June, SDIA was very busy helping Sheep Dogs #GetOffTheCouch on SEVEN Outdoor Adventures. Particularly for sponsored Sheep Dogs – those veterans and/or first responders injured in combat/line of duty or experiencing intense stressors – time away from day-to-day issues and anxiety, and spending time outdoors with fellow Sheep Dogs is exactly what is needed. It fosters camaraderie, organic healing, and many times leads to a renewed sense of purpose to reengage in living a productive and meaningful life.
To all the companies, organizations and individuals that partnered with us and/or sponsored/donated to these Outdoor Adventures, thank you for your support and generosity, and for making our Sheep Dogs feel like the heroes they are. To see more photos from many of these adventures, visit our Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning more about our Outdoor Adventures or know of a Sheep Dog in need...
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Raises Over $160,000 at Heroes Gala
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Recognizes Sheep Dogs of the Year and Raises Over $160,000 at Heroes Gala Proceeds to Fund Programs to Help Reduce Suicides in Veteran/First Responder Communities
The tables have long been cleared and the floors have been swept, but the impact that the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) 7th Annual Heroes Gala had on its attendees on Saturday, April 27, was powerful. So powerful that the event raised more than $160,000, the proceeds of which will be used to fund Disaster Response Missions and sponsor Veterans and First Responders for Outdoor Adventures during 2019. Heroes Gala Emcee Aaron Mankin, USMC (Ret.), Honorary Chair David Scogin, Guest Speaker Cpl. Nick Perales, USMC (Ret.), Gold Star Mother Debbie Lee, and BlackGuard Customs founder and USMC veteran Cpl. Liam Fuller spoke to the crowd of over 500, touching the hearts of all who heard their stories.
Much like a military ball, the Heroes Gala began with an official ceremony, the...
Sheep Dogs Heal Through Helping
Recent Alabama tornadoes bring Sheep Dogs together for four days of meaningful volunteer work.
On Sunday, March 3, tornadoes touched down across portions of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. The worst of these was a devastating EF-4 tornado that claimed the lives of 23 people and destroyed numerous homes and businesses in Lee County, Alabama. Within 3 days, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) had a Disaster Response (DR) Team on the ground to help. “I hated seeing the people in the shape they were in,” said Christopher MacKay, an Army veteran volunteer. “Their spirits were high, but you could see in their eyes they had a lot of work ahead of them. I’m glad we could cut down on their burden.”
And they did. The DR Team conducted chainsaw operations in the area to clear more than 250 downed or damaged trees from roads, driveways, houses and 19 properties, as well as other meaningful work. At the end of the four-day mission, the...
KNWA/KFTA Covers SDIA as top 20 Finalist in 2019 Citizen Honors Awards
Watch the full story here. Excerpt: "[SDIA's] work to help veterans and first responders get off the couch and recover the sense of camaraderie and meaning they felt while in uniform, is now being recognized on a national level. SDIA is Top 20 Finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's 2019 Citizen Honors Awards. "For us to also make it into the top 20 nationally, I think was a testament to the men and women that serve so passionately in our organization and the difference they are making nationwide," [SDIA founder & president, SgtMaj Lance] Nutt, USMC (Ret.) said. The Citizen Honors Awards recognizes those who embody the values of the medal of honor - courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship and patriotism. Nutt says just to be nominated is a tremendous honor. "We're looking forward to having serious conversations about how we can do more and how Sheep Dog Impact Assistance can play a role in helping our veterans get...
SDIA a Top 20 Finalist in Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s 2019 Citizen Honors Awards
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is thrilled to announce that, thanks to the nomination by and support of Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, they are a Top 20 Finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s 2019 Citizen Honors Awards. Winners will be announced in Washington, DC, at a special ceremony on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25. The Citizen Honors Awards are presented each year to four citizens and one community organization to recognize those who embody the values of the Medal of Honor – courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship and patriotism – in their selfless and exceptional acts of bravery and community service. Since 2008, only 46 awards have been given. “All of us at Sheep Dog Impact Assistance are humbled and honored to be considered and recognized as a Top 20 Finalist for this esteemed award,” said SDIA founder and president, SgtMaj Lance Nutt, USMC (Ret.). “This came as a complete surprise, and we cannot fully...
Bob Corscadden Joins SDIA National Staff as Director – Chapter/Team Development
Rogers, AR (February 14, 2019) – Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is excited to announce that Bob Corscadden has joined their National Office Staff in Rogers as the Director – Chapter/Team Development, reporting to Founder and President, SgtMaj Lance Nutt.
Corscadden brings to SDIA 30 years of business success at Fortune 500 companies, including Kellogg’s, Tyson Foods, Nabisco and Beecham Products. He also had his own strategy/advertising agency, giving him a diverse background with deep experience in sales, marketing, research & development, strategic planning, leadership/management, and public relations. This experience will provide the expertise needed as he and current Chapter/Team Coordinator, Andy Seal, work in tandem to continue efforts to better support SDIA Teams and Chapters, including guiding Teams in their formation and growth, and assisting existing Chapters and Teams in strategic and tactical planning. In addition, Corscadden will work to set a streamlined, bold course for SDIA’s continued expansion, growth and awareness throughout the US.
An active SDIA...
SDIA Partners with VA/Vet Centers to Improve Veterans’ Lives Through Yellowstone Adventure
The beauty of Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone National Forest are spectacular in the summer, and as Sheep Dog Impact Assistance’s (SDIA) group of 43 veterans, first responders and family members discovered on the January 23-27 Yellowstone Outdoor Adventure, winter in this vast wilderness is just as stunning when riding a snowmobile. This was the first Outdoor Adventure SDIA conducted in partnership with the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Vet Centers across the nation. Through this partnership, the VA and Vet Centers identified and recommended to SDIA 27 veterans; these veterans joined 8 other veterans and first responders for a weekend that took them on a guided snowmobile tour of the National Park, snowmobiling time on their own in the National Forest, group dinners, free time, and most importantly, time to talk with fellow Sheep Dogs about their experiences, struggles and successes. By giving them an opportunity to #GetOffTheCouch, the camaraderie and connection with peers...
Veterans Coming Home: Cibeles Ramirez Rodriguez
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance - Central Arkansas member Cibeles Ramirez Rodriguez recently told AETN how #SDIA helped her #GetOffTheCouch and positively impacted her and her son's lives. Do you know someone who needs to find a purpose? Join us at www.SheepDogIA.org!
SDIA Sending 2nd Disaster Response Team for Hurricane Michael Recovery Operations
During our first deployment to northwestern Florida for Hurricane Michael recovery efforts, we accomplished a lot of great work. Even though we're not seeing the devastation as much in the media, there is still an enormous amount of work to do. To that end, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) will send a second deployment of Disaster Response (DR) Teams to northwestern Florida from November 12-19. DR Volunteers from across the country will join in the tree & debris removal, covering leaking roofs, and other recovery efforts. But we won't be successful without YOUR support. #GetOffTheCouch with us! If you are willing and able to deploy for up to 4 work days anytime during this period, review the linked info (https://bit.ly/2EUPGHb) and contact JDixon@SheepDogIA.org. (If you are not currently an SDIA Member/Volunteer, please sign up prior to volunteering for this DR mission at www.SheepDogIA.org/membership.) #Donate to become part of our DR team! With this deployment, SDIA is again asking for gift...