Heroes, Cowboys and Companions Awarded $500 For Work With Vets

A veterans organization that gives former military members a taste of the Wild West is this month's Vets Who Rock winner.

Every month, 101.5 WPDH, MHA of Dutchess County and Mid-Hudson Pump shine a spotlight on a different veteran's organization and donate $500 to help them continue their work. This month, our Vet Who Rock winner is an organization that connects veterans with the great outdoors.

Vets who participate in the events organized by Dwayne Lallathin and his team at Heroes, Cowboys and Companions will learn skills like fly fishing, beekeeping, horse riding, lassoing and even making beef jerky. But what these veterans really learn is how to connect with themselves.

The organization's goal is to help veterans "develop an attuned, connected, healthy and secure relationship with oneself and others". This is accomplished by inviting veterans, first responders, active military and their families to events that foster relationship enrichment.

On the third Saturday of every month, the group assembles a group of veterans for various activities with horses, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities at no cost. Lallathin shared the story of a veteran who had his entire world change after walking a horse. After leading the animal around at one of the monthly meet-ups, the veteran broke into tears and explained that since his service, his heart rate has always raced. But, after spending just a few minutes connecting with the horse, he said it was the first time in a long time that he was truly relaxed.

We're so thankful that programs like this exist to allow our veterans the opportunity to heal both their bodies and minds.

101.5 WPDH, MHA of Dutchess County and Mid-Hudson Pump are proud to present the Pine Plains VFW Post 5519 with $500 to help continue the great work that they do for our Hudson Valley Vets Who Rock.