Airmen and Department of Defense civilians volunteer with Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center in Elbert, Colo., after learning the center had lost their resident ranch hand, leaving repairs, maintenance, clean up and daily chores to the regular volunteers. (Courtesy photo)
One of many horses at the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center in Elbert, Colo., which strives to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, special needs and disabled veterans through equine assisted activities and therapies. Airmen and Department of Defense civilians volunteered with PPTRC after learning the center had lost their resident ranch hand, leaving repairs, maintenance, clean up and daily chores to the regular volunteers. (Courtesy photo)
Airmen and Department of Defense civilians volunteer with Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center in Elbert, Colo., after learning the center had lost their resident ranch hand, leaving repairs, maintenance, clean up and daily chores to the regular volunteers. (Courtesy photo)
7/28/2011 - CHEYENNE MOUNTIAN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. -- On July 22, several volunteers from Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station turned out to help at the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center in Elbert, Colo.
After the non-profit organization lost their resident ranch hand, the repairs, maintenance and clean up, as well as daily chores fell into the hands of the regular volunteers. With 18 horses to feed and care for 24/7, full days of riding therapy and classes going on, the center needed assistance just keeping up with daily duties. Not to mention, any major or minor repairs to the facility and its supporting structures also needed tending.
The Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center strives to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities or special needs through equine assisted activities and therapies. PPTRC is the oldest, largest and the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship premier accredited center in southern Colorado. Every year, PPTRC's number of participants grows. They now run the Horses for Hero's program for disabled veterans, and provide therapy for most injuries.
When the staff at PPTRC mentioned their rapidly increasing needs to Karen Stuart, a member of the 721st Communication Squadron and a regular volunteer at the center, she garnered support from Col. Rusty Wilson, the former 721st Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Vanetta Kilpatrick, 721st Communications Squadron commander, and gathered a group of people from the mountain to assist.
Karen Stuart, "MJ" Johnson, Tech .Sgt. Kristi Anders, Staff Sgt. Chris Russell, Staff Sgt. Mike Easterling, Staff Sgt. Maria Lactaoen, Senior Airman David Goodman, all from the 721st CS, and Senior Airman Tom Murray, USAF Reserve, Peterson AFB, put on their boots and jeans, and provided much needed labor and support to the PPTRC. Members removed carpet from the ranch hand quarters, treated the floor with a sealant and washed walls in preparation for a new carpet install. This effort was to facilitate quality of life for the new ranch hand that is required to live on the property to care for the animals, and saved the PPTRC more than $1,000.
The selflessness and commitment to programs that provide invaluable services to the community are representative of the pride and professionalism of the men and women at Cheyenne Mountain AFS, and reflect the dedication of the Air Force family to the local community.
