On November 13, 2014 Senator Dean Heller of Nevada asked for and was granted permission to address the United States Senate regarding and important matter:
“Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a national nonprofit organization within Las Vegas known as Horses4Heroes for being awarded the American Horse Council Time to Ride 100-Day Horse Challenge by introducing the most newcomers to horses in just 100 days. This unique program works to improve the lives of more than 6 million Americans who serve in the military, National Guard, as first responders and their families, by making horseback riding more affordable and accessible. As a longtime horse owner and horse enthusiast myself, I recognize the importance horses play as both companion animals and to our Nation’s economy.
The brave men and women who have served the United States and fought to protect our freedom have often come home suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress, PTS. Veterans faced dangerous situations in order to protect Americans from harm, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Horses4Heroes is a shining example of the kind of initiatives that will help to reintegrate our veterans into civilian life, combat the effects of PTS, and help reduce the rates of suicide, while also providing comfort to grieving families.
There is no way to adequately thank the men and women that lay down their lives for our freedoms, but the founders and volunteers at Horses4Heroes are working to assist our Nation’s veterans by giving them the opportunity to use horses to help reconnect and get reacquainted with their families. The organization was founded by Sydney Knott in 2006 operating out of her backyard and has now grown to incorporate affordable recreational, instructional, and morale-boosting health & wellness programs at more than 200 therapeutic equestrian centers across the country. This organization’s continued dedication to serving veterans in the Silver State and the country is commendable.
As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I know the struggles that our veterans face after returning home from the battlefield. Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and service members in Nevada and throughout the Nation. I am very pleased that veterans’ service organizations like Horses4Heroes are committed to ensuring that the needs of our veterans are being met.
Today, I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in recognizing Horses4Heroes, an organization whose mission is both noble and charitable. I am both humbled and honored to recognize Horses4Heroes and I wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.”
Source: Congressional Record
See organization’s website: http://www.horses4heroes.org/
Note: Senator Dean Heller was sworn in to the United States Senate on May 9, 2011. Heller currently serves on the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; and the Special Committee on Aging. Heller is also a former member of the House Ways and Means Committee, as such he is one of the most influential members of the Senate.