There are some exciting things happening at the Ranch and we can’t wait to share them with you!
September 2021 Newsletter
A message from Tammy, our CEO
Happy Labor Day from all of us at the ranch! I have so many exciting things to share with y’all! But I want to start by congratulating Joe, our very first veteran to go through our program. Joe was an integral part in helping us at the very beginning as well as being our first Ranch hand/Wrangler. We have watched Joe grow in his horsemanship and love for horses and in turn he has helped his brothers and sisters in arms as they have started their own horsemanship journeys. We have shared many laughs as well as tears with him….. I remember the evening he spoke with me about his army buddy who lost his battle with PTS. I just sat there and listened as Joe told me all about him. My heart broke for Joe and it was a reminder of what our veterans and first responders deal with in their own minds when one of their own decides to end the pain they are going through by taking their own life. That was another turning point in Joe’s life and journey. Joe then enrolled in a certificate course and is now licensed to operate heavy equipment. He landed an amazing job with an international corporation and is now saving up to purchase his own home. For all of our supporters, it is because of YOU and your generous donations that we are able to continue our mission and report success stories like Joe’s! Without you and without our Amazing Volunteers, we could not do what we do! THANK YOU!
We are ready to send our first set of veterans and first responders to Wyoming for our new program: SIS Wyoming Cowboy Experience! Our Wranglers have been busy getting our Heroes ready for this wonderful five-day program led by our very own veteran and cowboy, Tom Bercher. We are looking for sponsors for our Heroes! If you would like to sponsor a Hero to experience a week in Wyoming, you will not only be supporting them financially, but physically and mentally as well. Your generous contribution will be affording them the opportunity to realize firsthand the obstacles and challenges they have overcome through their journey at SIS. They will return with newfound confidence in themselves as well as their horsemanship skills. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Heroes and we are so excited to share this experience with them. Please take a moment to read Tom and Rebecca’s story and vision below. They both served our country in the US Army and are now committed to serving our Heroes at SIS. Please consider sponsoring a Hero today! A gift of $1,500 will cover all of the expenses to fly a Hero to Wyoming, cover their food/lodging, and all costs associated with their 5-day Cowboy Experience. All donations can be made on our website or by check. Please include that you wish to sponsor a Hero for the Wyoming Cowboy Experience or do a partial donation. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.
All five horses made it to our new SIS Texas Division safe and sound! If you follow us on Social Media then you may have seen the videos of Cap and Secret running through the pastures having the time of their lives. It truly did my heart good to see them frolicking and having such fun! Donna and Sterling have been busy getting the horses settled in and planning for the next phase of SIS Texas. We have begun preparing for Heroes to start the program there, which will be identical to our San Diego program, by the first of the year. If you are in the Elkhart, TX area, or know of anyone in the area, we are looking for volunteers. Please read Donna and Sterling’s story and vision as well. We are looking for help with building an arena and round pen. If you can help with this project, financially or physically, please let us know. If you donate on the website or by check, please include that it is for our Texas arena and round pen.
On a more somber note, I want to remember the lives of the 13 brave service members we lost last week in Afghanistan. We grieve with their families and friends. As their pictures have been circulated across social media, and I can put a face with their names, I cannot help but wonder what they were like, what were their hobbies, did they ride horses……. Please join all of us in remembering these brave men and women who answered the call to serve their country. May they all rest in peace.
- Maxton Soviak, 22, Navy; Berlin Heights, Oh.
- Kareem Nikoui, 20, Marine; Norco Ca.
- David Lee Espinoza, 20, Marine; Laredo Tx.
- Rylee McCollum, 20, Marine; Bondurant, Wy.
- Jared Schmitz, 20, Marine; St. Charles, Missouri
- Hunter Lopez, 22, Marine; Ca.
- Daegan Page, 23, Marine; Omaha Nebraska
- Ryan Knauss, 23, Army; Knoxville Tn.
- Darin Taylor Hoover Jr., 31, Marine; Midvale Ut.
- Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, Marine; Lawrence, Massachusetts
- Humberto Sanchez, 22, Marine; Logansport In.
- Nicole Gee, 23, Marine; Roseville Ca.
- Dylan Merola, 20, Marine; Rancho Cucamonga, Ca.
Hugs,
Tammy
