We are VR Ranch
My wife and I are both veterans. I myself (Geoff) live with PTSD after two combat tours. I have a service dog named Ace (thanks to another great nonprofit K9s For Warriors). I have found great therapy through animals alone over the years and believe we can provide that for many other veterans. We also understand that some veterans just need somewhere to relax away from the busyness of crowded spaces, and our ranch is great for that as we are on 75 acres and off-grid with no one in sight.
Our mission at Veterans Rescue Ranch is to provide a sanctuary for both animals and veterans, offering a unique environment for healing and growth. Through our animal rescue services and sustainable farming practices, we aim to empower veterans who have been impacted by PTSD, TBI, and MST, helping them to regain a sense of purpose and belonging. We strive to create a community where both animals and veterans can thrive, while promoting compassion, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The purpose of VRR is to provide a safe and supportive environment for veterans to heal and reconnect with themselves, each other, and the community through the care and rehabilitation of animals. Our programs include animal-assisted therapy, equine therapy, and peer support groups.
VRR operates through donations, grants, and community partnerships. Our goal is to become self-sustaining through revenue-generating programs, such as workshops and events.
Our Goal
The main goal here at Veterans Rescue Ranch is to end Veteran suicide that is plaguing our post combat veteran community.
Our Vision
VRR’s vision is to provide Veterans with direct support, whether that be through the VRR programs or through an extensive list of Veterans resources that fit the needs of the Veteran.
Our Story & Journey
How We Got Started
While attending training for my service dog Ace, I (Geoff) was admiring everything that K9s For Warriors was doing for Veterans. Housing, food, gym, all free. I admired how I didn’t have to worry about finances and I could focus on bonding with my service dog.
I also thought about what programs there were for Veterans while they wait to get their service dog. It had been a two year wait for me. I thought about the things that helped me during those two years, spending time with my rescue dog, our friends rescue horses and goats.
After discussing my thoughts with Christy, I immediately started looking for properties with lots of affordable acres to start a ranch where Veterans could come and stay for 1-2 weeks and interact with the rescue animals. We decided to call Veterans Rescue Ranch.
Where We Are Now
Coming soon…
Our Board of Directors
Christina (Christy) Schram
Board President, CEO, & CMO
Co-Founder | Army Veteran | Visionary Leader
Christy Schram is the Co-Founder and Board President of Veterans Rescue Ranch, where she serves as a guiding force in empowering and healing veterans through nature, animal care, and innovative therapeutic practices. Her vision is to create a sanctuary that supports veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST, fostering sustainability, community reintegration, and lasting healing.
Vision & Mission: Christy’s passion lies in building a sanctuary that merges sustainable farming, animal care, and therapeutic interactions to support veterans on their journey to recovery. Her holistic approach emphasizes creating a healing environment for both veterans and animals while promoting long-term sustainability and reintegration into the community.
Professional Background: With an impressive 17-year career at Procter & Gamble in Supply Network Operations, Data Analytics, and Training, Christy transitioned her corporate expertise to focus on impactful work within the veteran community. She also studied data analytics at Liberty University, refining her skills to drive meaningful outcomes. Leveraging her coordination and networking abilities, Christy dedicates herself to supporting veterans and advancing their well-being.
Current Roles:
- Veteran Community Development Coordinator at Mt. Carmel Veteran Service Center
- Jr. Vice Commander at American Legion Post 170, Westcliffe, CO
- CEO & Co-Founder of Veterans Rescue Ranch
Education & Training: Christy is actively pursuing certification in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). This training enhances the Ranch’s ability to offer impactful therapeutic programs tailored to veterans’ needs.
Military Background: As a proud Army veteran, Christy draws upon her extensive military service and the shared experiences of her family to deepen her commitment to veteran welfare. This profound connection to the military community shapes her work, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
A Personal Touch: Christy is pictured alongside Tank, a pitty mix rescued from the SPCA in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Tank has literally changed my life!” she shares, highlighting her personal connection to the healing power of animals, which inspires her work at Veterans Rescue Ranch.
Christy’s dedication to empowering veterans and her visionary leadership continue to drive the Ranch’s mission to be a beacon of hope and healing for those who have served.
Patrica Ford
Board Treasure & CFO
Meet Patricia Ford (Patti), our newly appointed Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer at Veterans Rescue Ranch. Patti’s journey to this role is a testament to her unwavering dedication to service, community, and financial excellence.
A Veteran with a Mission: Patti is a U.S. Army veteran whose life and career have been shaped by her commitment to supporting others. Born and raised in small-town Nebraska, she cultivated values of hard work, integrity, and community that continue to guide her today. After completing her education and training in Lincoln, NE, she worked in CPA firms before establishing her own bookkeeping and tax preparation business, Keep-On-Booking, in 2020. In early 2023, she and her family relocated to Cotopaxi, CO, where she found inspiration in the mountains and the opportunity to make a greater impact in the veteran community.
Professional Expertise: Patti’s firm, Keep-On-Booking, has provided outstanding bookkeeping and tax services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations, including Veterans Rescue Ranch. Over the past year, her meticulous attention to detail and financial acumen have been instrumental in maintaining the Ranch’s financial integrity. As Board Treasurer, Patti will oversee our financial affairs, ensure compliance with nonprofit financial regulations, and guide the development of our annual budget. Her role as CFO will evolve as our organization grows, with a shared goal of expanding services without compromising financial stability.
A Passion for Veterans: As a veteran, Patti understands the unique challenges faced by the military community. Her personal connection to the veteran experience fuels her passion for our mission. By combining her professional expertise with her heartfelt dedication, Patti is helping ensure that Veterans Rescue Ranch remains a place where veterans and their families can find healing, connection, and purpose.
A Shared Vision: Patti shares our vision of creating innovative programs that emphasize connection, trust, and personal growth. Her leadership and commitment are integral to the success of our mission. She brings not only a wealth of financial knowledge but also a deep sense of compassion and a strong belief in the transformative power of our work.
Join Us in Welcoming Patti: We are honored to have Patti as part of our team. Her expertise, vision, and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen Veterans Rescue Ranch as we continue to grow and serve veterans and their families. Please join us in welcoming Patti to our leadership team.
Janet Flick
Board Member
Horse Trainer | Equine Specialist | Advocate for Veterans
Janet Flick brings over 50 years of experience in horse training, gentling, and desensitizing techniques to Veterans Rescue Ranch as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors. Her expertise and compassion uniquely position her to support the Ranch’s mission of helping veterans heal through the transformative power of equine-assisted learning.
Equine Expertise: As a Certified Horse Specialist and Inspector with the Bureau of Land Management, Janet is highly regarded for her skills in working with wild horses. She has devoted decades to developing and refining gentling and desensitizing techniques that emphasize trust, respect, and communication between horse and handler. Janet is currently adapting equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs specifically designed to support veterans with PTSD, further demonstrating her commitment to serving those who have served.
Commitment to Veterans: Janet’s dedication to the veteran community is deeply personal. As the wife and caregiver of a Vietnam veteran, she understands the unique challenges faced by veterans and their families. She has volunteered at the Eagle Summit Ranch, where her calming presence and equine expertise have brought comfort and healing to many veterans. Janet’s work continues to exemplify her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much.
Professional Development: Janet is currently pursuing her PATH Intl. Certification in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), further enhancing her ability to design and deliver impactful programs at Veterans Rescue Ranch. Her ongoing dedication to learning and growth ensures that the Ranch’s offerings remain at the forefront of equine-assisted interventions.
A Life in the Wet Mountains: Janet resides in the Wet Mountains, where she continues to inspire others with her passion for equine welfare and her advocacy for veterans. Her work at the Ranch reflects her belief in the powerful connection between horses and humans and their shared ability to heal and thrive together.
Geoffrey (Geoff) Schram
Board Vice-President, Board Secretary, COO & CTO
Co-Founder | Army Veteran | Visionary Leader
Geoff Schram is the Co-Founder and a cornerstone of Veterans Rescue Ranch, where he serves as the Board Vice-President, Board Secretary, Chief Operations Officer (COO), and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His leadership, technical expertise, and personal experiences drive the Ranch’s mission to heal invisible wounds and provide a sanctuary for veterans and animals alike.
About Geoff: Geoff is a proud Army veteran whose service in Afghanistan and Iraq has shaped his unwavering dedication to supporting fellow veterans. As a disabled veteran, he has faced and overcome his own battles with PTSD and is a suicide survivor. These experiences fuel his profound empathy and determination to create innovative programs that facilitate recovery and resilience for others.
Leadership and Vision: Geoff’s leadership at Veterans Rescue Ranch is rooted in his unique ability to integrate technology with therapeutic practices. As COO and CTO, he ensures that the Ranch’s operations are efficient, modern, and impactful. From designing state-of-the-art programs to managing daily operations, Geoff’s innovative approach keeps the Ranch at the forefront of healing initiatives for veterans.
A Personal Connection: Often seen with Ace, his ADA service dog trained for PTSD support, Geoff embodies the healing power of human-animal connections. Ace serves as his steadfast companion and right-hand “man,” underscoring the Ranch’s mission to leverage the love and resilience animals offer to support veterans on their healing journey.
Professional Expertise: As a technologist and engineer, Geoff combines his technical expertise with a passion for rehabilitation. His efforts ensure that Veterans Rescue Ranch not only provides transformative emotional experiences but also operates with the utmost efficiency and innovation.
Military and Community Engagement: Geoff’s commitment to the veteran community extends beyond the Ranch. He is the Jr. Vice Commander of VFW Post 12063, where he plays an active role in supporting veterans through various initiatives. His dedication to advocacy and support strengthens the Ranch’s mission and its connection to the broader veteran network.
A Beacon of Hope: Geoff’s life and work exemplify the core mission of Veterans Rescue Ranch: to mend the invisible wounds of war. His resilience, dedication, and innovative approach continue to enrich the lives of many, making him a leader and an inspiration within the veteran community.
Lisa Reid
Board Member
Chief Animal Rescue and Care Advisor | Co-Founder of Double L Franch
Lisa Reid serves as the Chief Animal Rescue and Care Advisor for Veterans Rescue Ranch, bringing her extensive experience and passion for animal welfare to the organization. As a co-founder and co-owner of Double L Franch, an animal rescue ranch in New Jersey, Lisa is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for rescued animals while supporting the Ranch’s mission to aid veterans.
A Lifelong Commitment to Animals: Lisa’s journey into animal rescue began early in life and culminated in the establishment of Double L Franch, a sanctuary for animals in need. Her expertise in animal care and rescue plays a pivotal role at Veterans Rescue Ranch, where her guidance ensures the well-being of the Ranch’s animals and strengthens the connection between animals and veterans.
Professional Background: Originally from Louisiana and Ohio, Lisa moved to Bridgewater, NJ, at the age of 7. She went on to build a successful 20-year career with a global consumer goods company in Ohio. In 2020, she retired and returned to New Jersey to pursue her lifelong passion for animal rescue, founding Double L Franch to provide refuge and care for animals.
A Partner in Healing: Lisa’s work at Veterans Rescue Ranch reflects her belief in the healing power of animals. Her efforts to create a nurturing environment for rescue animals directly support the Ranch’s mission to provide transformative experiences for veterans. Her expertise and compassion are instrumental in fostering the strong bonds between veterans and animals that drive the Ranch’s programs.
Rooted in Community: Lisa’s dedication to animal welfare and her deep commitment to service make her a vital part of the Veterans Rescue Ranch team. Her work exemplifies the Ranch’s core values of care, connection, and healing for both veterans and animals.
Charles Bogle
Board Member
U.S. Army Veteran | Distinguished Aviator | Community Leader
Charles Bogle brings a lifetime of distinguished service and leadership to Veterans Rescue Ranch as a valued member of the Board of Directors. His extensive military and professional careers, coupled with his commitment to community development, make him an invaluable asset to the Ranch’s mission of empowering and healing veterans.
Military Service: Colonel Charles Bogle is a proud U.S. Army veteran with a 30-year military career, including service as a Combat Army Aviator in Vietnam. A graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff School, he has earned numerous military service medals, including the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. His decorated military career reflects his unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and service to his country.
Professional Career: Following his retirement from the military, Charles built an impressive career in engineering and program management. He held leadership roles in Ground Test Engineering Production Operations and Program Management at General Dynamics. As Manager of the F-111 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) program for Lockheed Martin, he further demonstrated his exceptional skills in leadership, coordination, and innovation.
Community Leadership: Charles continues to serve and lead in his community. As President of the Custer County Economic Development Council, he champions initiatives that drive growth and sustainability in the region. Additionally, as a Community Partner Program Advisor for Solvista Behavioral Health, he supports programs that improve the well-being of local residents.
A Visionary for Veterans: Charles’s dedication to serving veterans extends beyond his own military service. At Veterans Rescue Ranch, he leverages his extensive leadership experience to help create programs that foster connection, healing, and growth for veterans and their families. His steadfast commitment to the Ranch’s mission exemplifies the spirit of service and resilience that defines the veteran community.
