FORTSON, Ga. (WRBL) — A local ranch is doing more than just offering horseback lessons. The Warrior Outreach Ranch is giving veterans dealing with mental health struggles a place to find peace and community.
“I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress in 2005 while I was in combat,” said Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Samuel Rhodes, founder of the Warrior Outreach Ranch.
The Army veteran first started going to therapy as a brigade command sergeant major. His first appointment was at Fort Benning’s Martin Army Community Hospital.
“I’m sitting there in a room, in my uniform, and there’s a [private first class] there and she’s like, ‘You got a soldier here, sergeant major?’” Rhodes remembered. “I said, ‘No, I’m here for me.’”…