Shepherd's Men Competitors

The Battle Buddy Foundation was Founded by Veterans to Serve Veterans, and exists to effect long term and tangible change in the lives of veterans of all eras. -TBBF is dedicated to making a positive, healing impact in the lives of injured veterans by providing psychiatric and mobility service dogs at no cost. -TBBF provides an opportunity for Veterans to “continue the mission” through the personal responsibility of participating in our service dog program, and to "give back" through volunteer work and community events. -The Battle Buddy Foundation is also dedicated to educating the public and corporate sectors regarding service dogs and the issues currently facing our nation’s veterans. www.TBBF.org

Veterans Rowing and Kayaking, Inc. Serves all honorably discharged or active duty, reservist and ROTC members of the armed services. Suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), severe to moderate depression, anxiety and mood disorders, substance abuse and other addictions, amputees, cancer patients, blind/vision and hearing impaired and many other health related issues. Veterans are required to consult with their primary mental health clinician to be assessed for inclusion the program in conjunction with a successful completion of a basic water safety course Our organizational goals are to; improve the quality of life for disabled Veterans by engaging them in a physical wellness/fitness activity while creating a sense of unity through teamwork to reach a desired goal. Studies have revealed how the loss of a sense affects brain development. It adds to a growing list of discoveries that confirm the impact of experiences and outside influences in molding the developing brain. According to Neuropsychologists, it was realized that after 911 it was not the psychotherapists that were hearing about the issues associated with PTSD and TBI. Rather it was the physical therapists. Thus, we are taking steps to include various components to ensure that the programs include specific disciplines associated with the Veteran’s holistic improvement of their cognitive-behavioral and functional abilities through the use of adaptive devices and strategies. Some of these include: • Balance • Posture • Strength • Quality of movement • Spontaneous movement • Coordination of movement • Socialization • Increased awareness and use of sensory and motor activities associated with the disability