We form Disaster Response Teams to go into communities hard-hit by natural or man-made disasters to fill in the gaps where public safety organizations are overwhelmed or stretched thin. We work within the framework of the Emergency Management system, but we're not hampered by government rules. We don't accept funds from local, state or federal government agencies. That lets us operate independentl
y and enables us to provide services in the most efficient manner possible. We help our fellow Sheep Dogs in times of hardship through direct, personal assistance, making the most impact possible with the resources available at that time. We don't want to duplicate the efforts of the many other fine organizations out there. However, we will work with other entities to provide the best assistance possible to those in need. If a disabled Korean War veteran down the street from you has a leaky roof and no one to help him fix it, he's a Sheep Dog in need. If a volunteer firefighter is injured in the line of duty and only receives a pittance for his injuries but is now unable to work to provide for his family, he is a Sheep Dog in need. In a program we call "Helping is Healing", we are able to combine the best features of a service organization with those of a fraternal organization. We give former, retired or active Sheep Dogs an opportunity to do something "bigger than themselves". For those no longer wearing the uniform of their service, it may have been some time since they felt that sense of purpose. We also offer the chance to surround yourself with others who understand where you come from. We're made up of personnel who have walked in your shoes and have shared the same hardships. We recognize that helping others while experiencing a sense of brotherhood can be a healing process.
