U.S. Army Combat Veteran and Special Forces Green Beret with over 12 years of service. Adam spent his military career hunting Al Qaeda Operatives, developing intelligence networks, conducting diplomatic relations, and briefing Ambassadors and Generals on Geopolitical Environments. In 2006, Adam earned his B.A. in Security and Intelligence from The Ohio State University. He spent the next eight years deploying to Asia, including Operation Enduring Freedom – The Philippines and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan. Adam’s passion comes from a deep-rooted desire to serve others and save lives.

Nominated in recognition for his work as an officer. Jason was recently named “Office of the Year” through the Delaware City Police Department. A dedicated officer to the community and a long time volunteer at Stockhands Horses for Healing, his commitment to serving is unparalleled.

In 2015, he received the WebMD Health Hero Award for his work in Veteran advocacy. In 2017, Save A Warrior was declared a winner at the second annual VA BrainTrust: Pathways to Innovation for its disruptive and pioneering approach to ending Veteran suicide. Jake is currently a doctoral candidate at the USC School of Social Work with an emphasis in Design Thinking for solving Grand Challenges; wicked and intractable problems plaguing today’s society.

Master Sergeant (MSG) Sean Clifton is a retired Green Beret with over 22 years in the military, 15 years in US Army Special Forces. Clearing a doorway of a Taliban leader’s compound, he was shot multiple times by Taliban fighters. MSG Clifton retired from the Army in the Spring of 2016 and currently works as a Special Operations Training Consultant (owns/operates a small consulting firm in Dublin, OH), as well as volunteers as a Veteran Ambassador for many non-profit organizations.

In Recognition for his service as a Vietnam Veteran within the US Navy and for his work supporting Veterans after service. Bill is an incredible asset to our Veterans program at Stockhands Horses for Healing and is integral in his role as Board Chair for our Board of Directors. We appreciate all that he has done for our country and for our organization.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Welcome Home. Each of these Veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to HONOR them and welcome them home.

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

J.D. served in the 3rd Marine Air Wing at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

In recognition for his service both in the military and in civilian life. Graduate of Dublin Coffman High School, he served in Lima Company, Columbus, Ohio. He was awarded ServiceMan of the Year for the Fleet Marine Force-Pacific and the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. He is an Advisor and Instructor with the National Veterans Leadership Foundation and an active Volunteer at Stockhands Horses for Healing in both the Veterans Program as well as the Therapeutic Riding Program working with individuals with physical and developmental disabilities

Nominated for Recognition of Honor and Service within the Delaware Community. DCEMS, a third-service EMS agency in Ohio, has consistently demonstrated excellence in pre-hospital emergency care. DCEMS's commitment to quality is evident through its accolades, including the State EMS Agency of the Year in 2020 and the National EMS System of the Year in 2022. The agency's CAAS accreditation, achieved with zero deficiencies, reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Welcome Home. Each of these Veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to HONOR them and welcome them home.

In recognition as an organization within the First Responders Community that emulates being a hero in our community. First Responders Bridge was started after the tragic deaths of Westerville (OH) Police Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering, retired Westerville Police Officer Mike Pavolino and Retired Columbus Officer Mick Yinger realized that we do such a great job supporting the families and community when a First Responder dies in the line of duty, as we should and will continue to do. First Responders' Bridge identified a need to extend this support to the First Responder that experiences a single traumatic event or the one that has built up years of stress. As First Responders stress and traumatic events become a regular part of what we do, which leads to problems in our personal and our professional lives.

Vietnam Veteran

United States Army, Army Specialist 4, Medic

1967-1969 Corpsman stationed at Camp Kue Hospital, Okinawa Japan.

John Funk worked as an Air Evacuation unit from Vietnam and was assigned to Camp Kue Hospital. After the birth of his first son, he returned from service to the states and went back to school to get his Bachelors in Finance. Then alongside his wife he raised four amazing children of which he was immensely proud.

Marine Corps Veteran, Executive Director of Stockhands Horses for Healing

In Recognition of the work he did both in his service for our country and in his civilian life. I think it’s pretty obvious but everything Tim has selflessly done and poured into our organization. His time, talents, sweat, blood and tears. He’s reached and helped so many veterans and others. I’m honored to be his wife, partner and co-founder.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Welcome Home. Each of these Veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to HONOR them and welcome them home.

US Army Veteran Serving from 1994-2000

Save a Warrior Alumni

In recognition for his service within the military and as a civilian. Marc has taken his battle with addictions and now finds fulfillment helping others and working with Veterans and others in their own recovery journey.

Advocate for Veterans, Mentor for younger Veterans.

In recognition for his service in the military and for his post service work with veterans with Team Red White and Blue helping Veterans “through that journey with real-life and virtual opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle because a strong focus on mental and physical health is critical to ensuring veterans’ best days are ahead.”

In recognition of his service and sacrifice from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. He did what was asked with no thanks or gratitude for his service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect . Welcome Home.

Douglas Paul Hammond was born January 9, 1943 and passed away May 18 2020 from Covid paired with Alzheimer’s disease. He had a lifetime of leading, loving, and helping others. He was a people person with an amazing sense of humor. He always found a way to not only help others but to make others laugh and smile. You knew when Doug was in the room. Doug was a very proud Veteran, who loved and fought for his country.

In recognition for his service as a First Responder. Retired Firefighter and his work within the community. As a volunteer at Stockhands Horses for Healing, Lou is a staple in the First Responder Program. Always willing to lend a hand, and take new people under his wing. He also dedicates some of his time toward the therapeutic riding program working with individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.

In recognition for his service in the United States Army.

Bill proudly served his country in the Army from 1966-1969. He was in the combat engineering battalion division in Thailand. He was a Specialist 5 and an expert marksman. Bill served his country by welding and repairing heavy military equipment and building roads for the airbases. He is a lifetime member of the VFW and a member in the American Legion. Bill has continued to make it his life mission to help others with his handyman skills. He has been married to Cathie for 55 years. He is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. I am honored and blessed to call him my father-in-law.

In recognition for his work within service and civilian life. Retired SGT Horace Jordan Jr enlisted in the Army in October 2011. SCT attending various military schools to include Life Saver Course, Fiber-Optic Installer Course, COMPTIA A+ 901 and 902 Courses. Combat deployment while in Afghanistan. Attending Warrior Leaders Course at Fort McCoy and is currently working on an Associate degree in Environmental Health, Safety and Science. Loving father to his 7 year old daughter and 2 year old son, he continues to give back to the community and to Veterans in need of a “Battle Buddy”. He has been an active member of the Wounded Warrior Project since 2016. In January of 2024 he joined Stockhands Veterans Program and has become an integral part of the Veteran Community in supporting and serving other Veterans.

Lt. Colonel Kelvington, Army ROTC Commander - OSU has a Bronze Star with "V" device, the Commendation Medal with “V” Device, among many other citations and awards due to his exemplary performance and leadership throughout Fourteen deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Welcome Home. Each of these Veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish

Nominated in Recognition for his service as a Paratrooper that served in HHC 3/73rd 82nd Airborne Division (active Duty), C-Company 983rd Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion Army reserves, and Eco 1/137th AVN Regiment. Deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom for two 1 year long deployments 2005&2009. Was a wheeled vehicle mechanic, recovery operator, and a generator mechanic. Enlisted Feb 1994 and Retired Sep 2015. Proudest military accomplishments are graduating Airborne School and performing combat recovery missions in Iraq. to HONOR them and welcome them home.

In recognition for his service within the Marine Corps and for his work with Veterans and the VA Whole Health workshop at Stockhands Horses for Healing.

In recognition for his service within the Military and the successes he has achieved post service. Steve is a Navy Veteran, Volunteer at Stockhands Veterans program and graduate of Delaware County Veteran Docket and very active with Veterans in addiction recovery.

Nominated in recognition for his service to our country. Jack is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country with courage and resilience.

John lives a life of service to others. As a paramedic and firefighter for the City of Columbus, he is faced with crisis, tragedy and heartbreak. John is a source of hope and healing in times of uncertainty. He truly loves being a part of the First Responder community. He approaches his work with strong values, commitment to high ethical standards, and a passion for making a difference. Thank you John for being our Hero.

Nominated in Recognition for his service as a Marine, his work as a First Responder and in the work he has done with the Veterans program at Stockhands Horses for Healing. Matthew was instrumental with the starting of Stockhand’s Veterans program and shows every day the strength Veterans have to overcome and succeed.

Brandon’s journey epitomizes a commitment to service that transcends boundaries. Transitioning from the Marines to law enforcement, he has dedicated his life to protecting and supporting his community. As a Sergeant at the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences in both the military and law enforcement.

Having served two tours overseas in the Marines, Brandon understands the challenges faced by active duty members and veterans firsthand. In his role as a Sergeant, Brandon’s genuine leadership qualities enable him to be a role model to many younger, less experienced officers. He is admired and respected for his integrity, humility, and discipline.

Nominated in recognition for their work with Veterans in the Delaware County area, providing much needed food and supplies for Veterans. Along with their partnership with Stockhands Horses for Healing in providing fresh produce for Veterans and the volunteer work they do each and every day to support Veterans.

Marco is being nominated in recognition for both his military service and in his current role as the Chair of the Ohio police and fire pension board. After high school, Marco joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Vietnam, serving at the Phu Cat Air Base. After serving in the military, Marco joined the Columbus Fire Department where he served as Union President and retired as a Lieutenant. Marco was elected to the Groveport Madison School Board and served as their President. Marco went back to school and completed an Associate's Degree in Fire Science at Columbus State and a Bachelor's in Public Administration at Capital University.

Marco is a lifetime member of the American Legion, Post 283, where he was named Legionnaire of the year and served on their executive board.

Amber is the creator and founder of “The Wonder Within” which was created to address the unique physical, mental, and emotional needs of veterans, first responders, and front line health care workers/educators. These individuals often work in high-stress and sometimes traumatic situations, which can take a toll on their overall health and well-being. They understand that these individuals are often least likely to check in with their mental health or know how to self-heal, which is why their mission is to bring hope and healing to those who feel least healable.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices from a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Each of these veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to honor them and welcome them home.

Nominated in Recognition for his years of service in both the military and as a first responder and his work with First Responder’s Bridge. His military career spans from 1990 - 2019 in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Policeman and as a Criminal Investigation Agent. He progressed through the ranks from Private First Class to Chief Warrant Officer 3. He has been deployed four times, been the Unit Commander during an OCONUS deployment, and was the PSO for the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.

Nomination in recognition for his service within the armed forces from March 2000- January 2008. With two deployments to Iraq receiving a combat action ribbon, presidential citation ribbon, purple heart and other various awards, Luke served his country honorably. He continues to contribute and serve the community as a Veteran in the Veterans program at Stockhands Horses for Healing.

President/CEO The Redondo Foundation

Don is being recognized for his service within the Army and beyond. Since returning from home in 2007, Don has dedicated himself to helping his fellow Veterans through various organizations and nonprofits. He obtained his certification in suicide prevention and worked on his degree in psychology. He still wanted to do more, so Don started his own nonprofit in June of 2022 in order to help his fellow brothers and sisters here in New Jersey. The Redondo Foundation helps veterans with PTSD, TBI and suicidal ideations through post traumatic growth and wellness in a multifaceted, nonclinical, peer to peer approach. That in which helps our veterans regain a purposeful life. His project AWOL program is a true one of a kind.

Nick has been nominated in recognition for receiving Paramedic of the Year in 2023 and the Medal of Bravery in March 2024. Nick has been a firefighter/paramedic at Liberty Township for four years and worked at Orange Township and Westerville part-time prior. Both of his parents were firefighters, so there was never a question about what he was born to do.

The American Legion Department of Ohio

Jason Rue is the current commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio. For his year as commander, he wanted to focus on veterans mental health and ending veteran suicide. Jason chose Stockhands Horses for Healing as his partner in his efforts and is using his platform to share with other veterans around the state the importance of Stockhands as well as collecting donations to help Stockhands. Besides his Commanders Project, he is honoring businesses in local communities that help veterans.

Jerry is one of the newer members of the FR Program. In addition to flourishing as a horseman and mentor to newer attendees, Jerry has brought in several first responders and family members to aid in their healing. Jerry is a true "patient advocate" and an advocate for the FR Program at Stockhands.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices, a fellow Vietnam veteran, we welcome you home. Each of these veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades, we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to HONOR them and welcome them home.

In recognition of their service and sacrifices, a fellow Vietnam veteran, we welcome you home. Each of these veterans did what was asked of them with no thanks or gratitude for their service. For decades, we have suffered in silence the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. I wish to HONOR them and welcome them home.

Col. Shank has spent his life serving his country! He now works at Amazon within their warrior program, assisting veterans with gaining employment and stability. As the assistant adjutant general for the Army, he establishes policies, priorities, and oversight for the readiness of approximately 11,500 soldiers for overseas deployments and homeland defense missions.

In recognition for his services in the United States Navy and for his work with the Veterans program at Stockhands Horses for Healing. Petty Officer Shaw is a designated information systems technician and a qualified First Class Surface Warfare Officer. His personal awards include two Navy achievement medals.

After spending his first 10 years on active duty, Petty Officer Shaw then transferred to the Navy.

Reserves and retired on September 1st, 2010, after a combined 20 years. He has spent the last 23 years working for the Defense Logistics Agency and continues to serve in that capacity. During his distinguished federal service career, he has received two Superior Service Awards and one Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal.

Dale was nominated in recognition for his service within the United States Army, where he served his country with incredible leadership, courage, and honor. He is guided by his strong faith, commitment to his country, and service to others.

Eric is nominated in recognition for his journey from the military to academia, and his advocacy reflects a deep commitment to resilience, leadership, and service. As a forward observer in the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, a combat deployment to Afghanistan was transformative. Leading under harsh conditions, he experienced a spectrum of leadership styles, from inspiring to toxic, each profoundly shaping his approach to leadership and service.

In recognition of her work at Westerville Division of Fire as a firefighter/paramedic and for her years of volunteering at Stockhands Horses for Healing. She is also a fire instructor and paramedic preceptor. Her husband, Dusty, introduced her to Stockhands a few years ago, assisting him with the First Responder Program and as a lead/sidewalker during his Thursday night lessons. Through struggles of her own, she found Clair who she really connected with. Clair really knew how to bring her back to center and calm her down after a rough day. The power of equine therapy is beyond anything imaginable. Outside of the barn, Ashley likes to continue her wind therapy by riding her motorcycle with her husband and, of course, spoiling their two dogs.

In recognition as a First Responder, Navy Veteran, and Delaware County EMS, Dusty is an active volunteer in Stockhands’ First Responders and therapeutic riding programs. He is also currently attending fire school.

Nominated in recognition for his service within the Army Reserve, Greg has been a Stockhands volunteer since 2016. In addition to volunteering in our weekly youth riding programs, Greg is an active participant in Stockhands’ Military Veterans program and serves as a mentor for new participants. He graciously accepted the volunteer role of Community Engagement Liaison in 2022. In this capacity he fosters community partnerships and manages the barn’s participation in local events. We are so grateful Greg is a part of the Stockhands family.

Nominated in recognition for his service both in the military and as a civilian. Gerald joined the US Air Force following high school graduation and served from 1966–1970 as a medic. Stationed on Strategic Air Command tactical bomber bases throughout the Midwest. The rank at discharge was E-5. Gerald is a long-time volunteer and former board member of Stockhands Horses for Healing. He is an active participant in the Stockhands Veterans Program and an integral part of the Stockhands Therapeutic Riding Program. His commitment to Stockhands and the community of Delaware is commendable, and we are truly blessed to have him.

In recognition for his service in the United States Army and for his work with the Delaware County Veterans Court Docket. Bill is a mentor within the court docket and volunteers his time at Stockhands Horses for Healing, helping within the Driving Program and the Veterans Program there as well.

Mick is being nominated in recognition for his work as Executive Director of First Responders’ Bridge. While working for the City of Columbus, Division of Police, Mick worked in the Patrol Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, and spent the majority of his career as a covert detective in the Strategic Response Bureau. Mick served as an unarmed self-defense and boxing instructor for new cadets at the Columbus Police Training Academy. Mick was a recipient of the Columbus City Council Officer of the Month, the Mayor’s Award of Excellence, and two Mutual Aid awards.

In recognition of his service within the United States Army as a Specialist 19D Cav Scout, D-Troop 3BDE 3ID Fort Benning. Deployed during the Iraq Freedom Campaign, Andrew served his country with honor and integrity and now continues to support veterans within the community.

Tim entered the US Army in September of 1968. He was in Vietnam from May 1969 – May 1970. Attached to the 25th Infantry Division, 7/11 Field Artillery and Sergeant E-5. He was stationed primarily in the Tay Ninh province, on the Cambodian border, where the Ho Chi Minh Trail ended. Their mission was to be the blocking force on the border, approximately 70 miles northwest of Saigon.

In recognition of his service and sacrifice from a fellow Vietnam veteran. He did what was asked with no thanks or gratitude for his service. For decades, we have suffered in silence from the animosity and persecution of those we fought to protect. Welcome Home.