Kili Climb for a Cause- SDIA 2024
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) is thrilled to announce that ten of its dedicated veterans and first responders will embark on a monumental journey to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. This extraordinary effort aims to raise funds and awareness to support SDIA’s vital programs that assist our nation’s heroes.
The team, composed of veterans and first responders from across the country, will begin their ascent on July 29th, and the climb is estimated to take 7 days. Standing at 19,341 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, symbolizing the formidable challenges these men and women face daily in their service to our country and communities. Their climb is not just a physical endeavor but a testament to their resilience and commitment to helping others.
Each participant is climbing to raise money to support SDIA’s mission to engage, assist, and empower veterans and first responders. The funds raised will directly support SDIA’s three pillar programs: Outdoor Adventures (physical activity), Warrior PATHH training (mental wellness) and Continued Service/Disaster Response (volunteerism). These programs are designed to promote camaraderie, a sense of purpose, and emotional and physical well-being.
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!
LIMITED EDITION T-Shirt Sale
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day & Support our nation’s heroes with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance and our limited edition kelley green Sheep Dog Shield T-Shirt! Visit the Sheep Dog shop ASAP to get your pre-order in before March 3rd! This Limited Edition shirt will not appear again! Luck be with you!
REGISTRATION FOR CARRY THE LOAD IS NOW OPEN!
We are so excited to let you know that the registration for Carry The Load is NOW OPEN! You can register as an individual, join an existing team, or create your own team, all under the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance banner!
Help SDIA and Carry The Load bring back the true meaning of Memorial Day and honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and first responders.
To register, click the Registration Button below. If you donate or raise $50 or more, you'll receive our 2024 commemorative t-shirt!
DALLAS MEMORIAL MARCH May 26 - 27, 2024
SDIA will also be going to Dallas for Carry The Load's Memorial March on May 26-27 and would love for you to attend with us!
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Support Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
There are many ways you can support Sheep Dog Impact Assistance and our mission to promote mental wellness for our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders community.
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’s Trip to NYC Brings Healing, Camaraderie to 80+ Veterans, First Responders
Veterans, First Responders Visit Ground Zero The last weekend in September 2019 was beautiful in New York City, and the nearly 90 Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) Outdoor Adventurers filled their days with an appearance on Fox & Friends, tours, food, a 5K and the much-needed camaraderie of their fellow Sheep Dogs. This SDIA Outdoor Adventure centered on Ground Zero, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K because for many of the sponsored Sheep Dogs, their military and/or first responder professions began as a direct result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These sites were “bucket list” items for many, bringing them full circle, physically and emotionally. “I feel like my military career and experiences came full circle. That everyone I know who is no longer here is commemorated every year at the very least. And that this organization is here to have your six and get you out there...
SDIA Deploys on Their First Disaster Response Mission Outside the US to Bahamas
For the first time in our history, #SDIA deployed a #DisasterResponse Team (DRT) outside of the US to the #Bahamas. The DRT departed on Wed., 9/11, and arrived in Miami, Florida, Thursday evening. The Team’s transportation to the Bahamas was originally slated for Fri., 9/13; however, Tropical Storm Humberto and logistical issues caused delays. We are happy to report that the Team disembarked the ship for relief efforts the morning of Mon., Sept. 16, and immediately went to work helping Bahamians by covering leaking roofs and windows, removing trees and debris from homes & properties, and distributing supplies. You can follow our Bahamas #DisasterResponseMission (DRM) right here, and on our social media pages (Facebook @SheepDogIA; Instagram @sheep_dog_impact_assistance). Want to know where they're at? You can see their location in real time by clicking this link: https://tinyurl.com/y45n2klq We need your support so that our DRT can help as many people as possible! Please join our Team...
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...
SDIA & Skydiving Empower Air Force Veteran to Embrace Life
For Air Force veteran and SDIA Member Dana Ames, jumping out of a plane on June 2 was more than a bucket list item. Like so many, this grandmother allowed life to beat her down and isolate her. But then she joined #SDIA. SDIA is empowering her to get stronger, more fit and to #GetOffTheCouch! “I want to show people that not only is helping others a way of life,” Dana said, “but it also helps yourself!”
At times, many Sheep Dogs feel beaten down, isolated, or depressed. Transitioning from a military or first responder career can be a huge struggle, especially for those injured in combat or the line of duty. These heroes need something or someone to remind them who they are and that they still have much to contribute to making the world a better, safer place. SDIA sponsors these Sheep Dogs for Outdoor Adventures to foster camaraderie and healing in a comfortable setting surrounded by fellow Sheep...