LANCE CORPORAL STACEYANN CASTRO, USMC
StaceyAnn served in the Marine Corps from 2002 - 2004. Immediately after boot camp StaceyAnn was deployed to Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom. StaceyAnn would say that she has PTSD. She came to Warrior Ranch not knowing what to expect. StaceyAnn says "I don't even have the words to tell you what I just experienced. It blew me away just observing blew me away, it was so natural and so raw. It made me really identify with certain emotional feelings that I go through just on a daily basis." StaceyAnn is progressing through our program beautifully.
SPECIALIST SHARRAN CHAMBERS-MURPHY, US ARMY
Specialist Sharran Chambers Murphy served in the United States Army from 1986 - 1997. She served during the first Gulf War spending time in Germany as well as Ecuador, Panama and some stateside. Overall experience in the military was great as she was able to travel and meet other people. "At first I though this was going to be easy, then I actually came face to face and 'this is a big horse'." "I feel more comfortable, more relaxed and more aware of myself and surroundings."
LANCE CORPORAL RICHARD CODY, USMC
Lance Corporal Richard Cody enlisted in the Marines in order to serve in Vietnam. Serving from 1968 - 1969 in the 1371 Explosive Unit, Rich was what is referred to as a "tunnel rat." Tunnel were the territory of the Viet Cong. When a tunnel was uncovered, Rich was one of the troops that were sent in to kill enemy soldiers and plant explosives to destroy the tunnel. Rich enjoys being with the horses and is very curious about the communication between human and horse.
PNSN CATHIE DOHERTY, US NAVY
PNSN Cathie Doherty was active duty in the US Navy 1990 - 1992 and six years active reserve after that. Cathie was diagnosed with PTSD and put on medication for a number of years. Not liking how that made her feel, Cathie came off medication and sought other programs to help deal with PTSD. Cathie attended a women's retreat at Warrior Ranch and said "It was really an amazing experience. I think it touched me much deeper than I imagined it would. I feel I was present in the moment, I didn't care about my phone, it was a beautiful experience for me." Cathie learned quickly and is progressing through our program nicely.
SERGEANT PHOEBE ERVIN, US ARMY (Ret.)
Sergeant Phoebe Ervin served in the United States Army for 21 years. 1990 - 1991 she was in Operation Desert Storm Shield and deployed again in 2003 for Operation Enduring Freedom. After coming home Phoebe dealt with a lot of issues, not wanting to sleep, nightmares, stress and suicidal. In 2011 she sought help and her life has changed for the better. Phoebe visited Warrior Ranch "I was scared and nervous at first.. Tony told me to relax and breathe. So I took a deep breath and Manto was looking at me with beautiful blue eyes, brought tears to my eyes." "Thank you for welcoming us here, I mean I feel at home, I don't feel like a veteran with an illness and that's what we need."
E4, MADELINE FEASTER, US COAST GUARD
E4, Madeline Feaster served in the United States Coast Guard from 2011 - 2015. Maddie heard about Warrior Ranch from another participant. Once Maddie came to the Ranch, she was hooked. Maddie has worked with several of the horses; Manto, Warrior, Cody and Midnight. Maddie has developed a heartwarming relationship with Warrior. Warrior is a very special horse to the Ranch. Maddie comes to the Ranch every week and has become very comfortable around the horses. "Being with the horses definitely de-stresses you".
SERGEANT LISA FISCHER, USMC
Sergeant Lisa Fischer served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. Lisa comes to Warrior Ranch to connect with the horses. Lisa has a special affinity toward Danny Boy the mini horse. Anytime the Ranch has a mini, Lisa is called to come visit :)
CORPORAL KAYLA KELLY, USMC
Corporal Kayla Kelly served in the United States Marines from 2007 - 2011. She did two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. "Readjusting to civilian life was really difficult, I didn't feel like I related to anyone." The first day Kayla came to the Ranch, "I wasn't sure what to expect and it was really the most amazing thing I've ever done. Just the exchange of energy and learning how to place your energy in a positive way and having control over your energy and where it goes was definitely amazing." Kayla comes to Warrior Ranch to play and visit with the horses whenever she can.
SABRINA LACY, US ARMY (Ret.)
Sabrina Lacy served in the United States Army for 20 years, 1985 - 2005. She had three different duties, a Medic, a Signal, and an Administrator counseling veterans. "The training in the military made me hard. When I touched the horse, got closer and rubbed him, he showed me the affection back." Sabrina enjoys her time at Warrior Ranch with the horses.
CORPORAL JEAN LITTMAN, USMC
Corporal Jean Littman served in the Marine Corps between 1952 - 1955, during the Korean War. Jean says it was tough to adjust upon returning from war. Jean visited Warrior Ranch and "I loved every minute of it. This gave me so much knowledge, it was one of the best days I've spent. I really enjoyed it."
E3, JESSICA LOPEZ, US NAVY
E3, Jessica Lopez served in the United States Navy from 1996 -1999. After hearing about the Warrior Ranch from another participant, Jessica came to check it out. As you can see from the photos, Jessica enjoyed her time at Ranch.
E4 PATRICIA MACKEY, US ARMY
E4 Patricia Mackey served 4 years in the US Army serving 12 months in Camp Casey Korea with the 2nd Division. Patty was part of the 2nd Aviation Battalion and then moved on to the 101st at Fort Campbell, Kentucky working with 326 Medivac Dustoff, as a helicopter structural repair person. Being at Warrior Ranch was the first time Patty was on the same side of the fence as a horse. She quickly picked up the technique to communicate with Cody, "I thought Cody and I became like best friends, it was great." Patty is progressing through our program nicely.
PFC, MEAGYN MULIERI, USMC
PFC, Meagyn Mulieri served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 - 2011. Meagyn heard about Warrior Ranch through another participant and decided to come and see what it was all about. Meagyn has been building relationships with a few of the horses and comes to the Ranch just about every week. Coming to see the horses is Meagyn's "me time". She finds that being with the horses relaxes and grounds her.
E3, PETER OLPHIE, US NAVY
E3, Peter Olphie served active duty in the United States Navy from 1988 - 1990, then in the Reserves for five years. Pete worked in the weapons department which was "very tense because weapons are inherently dangerous and you were on high alert all the time." Coming to Warrior Ranch has been "life changing for me." Pete picked up the basics of horsemanship very quickly and comes to the Ranch whenever he can.
STAFF SERGEANT JAMES ALLEN PENNINGTON, US ARMY (Ret.)
Staff Sergeant James Allen Pennington, US Army (Ret.) was Warrior Ranch Foundation's first soldier to go through our program. He served in the 10th Mountain Division, did several tours including one to Afghanistan where he was injured by an RPG and subsequently retired from the Army. Allen (as he prefers), was very successful with Red, the 4-year-old thoroughbred from McGowan Stables. Allen found a new type of "Battle Buddy" in Red and horses. "Thanks to the Warrior Ranch Foundation I have been able to reach my goal of helping people." - James Allen Pennington