Welcome to DTOM 22/0 Foundation
Our Mission
We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Foundation. DTOM is a military acronym that stands for Dont Tread On Me. The meaning dates back to before the founding of our nation, when in 1775 the Navy used it as the first Navy Jack. The 22 stands for the recognized average of 22 Veterans per day being killed by suicide. The 0 represents our goal. With your help, we will work tirelessly to achieve it. We are raising money to buy land and build The DTOM 22/0 Veterans Ranch. As a people, we must come together and find other ways to make this epidemic stop! What is being done now is not enough and we cannot let our heroes be taken from us. Saying “Thank You” is NOT enough. With all they have sacrificed, it is our DUTY to take care of them. This is our plan.
Our Purpose
As Founder and CEO, I am a 7 year veteran of the United States Navy. After losing my career to an accident, I spent many years feeling lost and struggling with the VA. In that position, a service member not only has to learn to deal with the loss of a career, purpose, comrades and service but also the treatment by the VA itself. Between all of that and trying to figure out my life, I spent a lot of time in a pretty dark place. I started to do some veteran volunteer work and figure it out. At that point, I wanted to help other veterans get through their own struggles just a little bit easier. Also, to show fellow Vets, there are people that care and there is a place to go where you are needed. So, we formed a team to figure out a way to help #stopthe22aday and help the 22 families being destroyed. We need not only individuals but corporations, working together hand in hand to give back to our heroes that sacrificed so much. Sometimes “Thank You” is not enough! We need everyday Americans to put their money where their mouth is and to help. Think of where your life would be without the sacrifice of these brave heroes, It is a very small percentage of the population that protects the majority, it’s time to give them a hand up and take care of them when they come home! We can no longer send our heroes to fight our battles and when they come home broken just say thank you. Help us, help them!
The Ranch
The Ranch will be in 2 phases. The 1st phase is operational and currently offering the Equine Assisted Draper Sensory Method, at no cost to the veteran. We are one of only 4 ranches in the US using this therapy method and with great results. Max, our therapy horse, is one of only approximately 20% of horses worldwide that can consistently perform this therapy. The veteran will receive this amazing treatment to help neutralize the stress hormones and reset the misfiring neurons in the brain. Effectively neutralizing anxiety, cortisol and stress. The veteran will be more relaxed and the symptoms of PTS, TBI, chemical dependency and other neurological issues will be lessened and the veteran will be more receptive to continue with traditional therapies. We are trying to offer more holistic approaches to heal, rather than mask the symptoms with pharmaceutical methods. Volunteer opportunities will be available as well, again all at no cost to the Veteran, they have sacrificed and carried that burden already. Phase 2 will incorporate building an actual lodge for the veterans to live in, giving the veteran a real chance to re-acclimate at their own pace all while surrounded by the comradery of their fellow veterans. The lodge will consist of 2-person rooms. These will be broken down into male, female and handicap accessible. Total capacity will be up to 32 veterans. There will be a large Great Room for camaraderie and relaxation around the fire. Also, a kitchen, dining room, library/education room, fitness center, laundry room and a nice deck to take in the beautiful outdoors. We will be incorporating various therapy animals and a container farming system. There will be volunteer opportunities; such as local Volunteer Firefighting, Team Rubicon, The Mission Continues and filling other needs in the local community. These opportunities will not only give the Veteran purpose but also teaching new skills, all in an effort to #stopthe22aday!