Ranch Roundup – August 2025
High Summer. Heavy Harvest. Deep Gratitude.

August is peak season at the Ranch — the sun is hot, the days are long, and the fields are full.
It’s also when the work gets the hardest and the most rewarding.

From harvest mornings and fencing projects to veteran campouts and community gatherings, this month has been packed with purpose — and none of it would be possible without you.

Here’s what your support made happen (and what’s coming next). 👇

🌄 Veterans Adventure Weekend: 19 Vets, One Unforgettable Campout

In July, we hosted our first-ever Veterans Adventure Weekend — and it was a powerful success.

Nineteen veterans from across the Willamette Valley came together for three days and two nights of camaraderie, fly fishing, hiking, river rafting, and fireside connection.

Huge thanks to Rosy Macias from the Willamette Vet Center and Cody Lane, our on-site peer support specialist, for helping bring this vision to life.

This was just the beginning. We're already gearing up for our next campout, a women's only retreat put on by Reveille and Retreat Project, coming this September:

👉 Women Veterans Firearm Safety, Self-Defense, and Healing Retreat with Reveille & Retreat

Join us for a transformational weekend retreat designed to empower, educate, and heal. In collaboration with Lady Gets a Gun and Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, this unique experience weaves together firearm safety, self-defense, mindful movement, and grounding rituals in a safe, supportive environment for women. If you're a female veterans interested in attending, click the link below.

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-veterans-firearm-safety-self-defense-healing-retreat-tickets-1543138230989?fbclid=IwY2xjawL7HAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnXlvOboVHblNjdEj1c2AB775m75nKAkwsEqkPOyN1-pwE4I3A1732l6XtGe_aem_I-6clh0vXtIjgZW-7VQEIA

🪵 Volunteer Spotlight: Tom Shuman

Tom has become a fixture at the Ranch — not just on Thursdays, but throughout the week.

He's lent his hands, heart, and woodworking craft to our mission by building and donating bat houses, butterfly houses, and gorgeous handmade fishing nets that will soon be used for sales and raffles to support programs.

Tom, thank you for your talent and generosity. We’re lucky to have you in the COVR family.

💪 Local Hero Highlight: Warrior Impact

Founded in Bend by a local businessman and U.S. Air Force veteran, Warrior Impact creates space for healing and brotherhood among veterans, military members, and first responders.

Their free 4-day, men-only intensive cohorts are peer-led by those who’ve walked similar paths. Sessions are held at a local ranch with private rooms and a welcoming lodge environment.

They also offer free multi-day rafting trips on the Rogue and Salmon Rivers — open to qualified applicants.

🎯 Learn more and apply: www.warriorimpact.com
📣 Trip announcements: Facebook – Warrior Impact

🍽 MOAA Picnic at the Ranch

On July 26, we had the honor of hosting the Military Officers Association of America for their summer picnic.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share space, stories, and a shared mission of service. Come back soon!

🥬 Harvest Help Still Needed

This summer’s garden is bursting with fresh produce and we need your help to get it into the hands of veterans.

Join us Thursdays starting at 9am to harvest, wash, and package produce.
🍲 Lunch is on us.

Whether you stay for an hour or the whole morning, your support makes a tangible difference.

📣 There's Still Time to Share Your Thoughts!

If you haven’t completed it yet, we’d truly value your input in our short summer survey.

Question 13 explores a regional gap in support for first responders and asks whether the Ranch might have a role to play. We haven’t made any decisions—your feedback helps shape our direction.

Whether you’re a participant or a supporter, your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.

All survey respondents will be entered into a drawing for:

• $25 Kohl’s gift card

• $25 10Barrel Brewing gift card

• COVR hat

• COVR shirt

📝 Click here to take the survey

Weekly Wellness Events at the Ranch

Veterans, mark your calendars — these ongoing weekly offerings are free and open to those seeking community, connection, and calm:

• Peer Support Group – Wednesdays at 10 AM
  A welcoming space to share experiences, challenges, and encouragement.

• Yoga for Veterans – Fridays at 5 PM
  Gentle movement and breathing to ease stress, strengthen the body, and support healing. No experience needed.

💛 Help Us Keep the Momentum Going

Every meal shared, crop harvested, and veteran supported at the Ranch happens because of people like you. If you believe in the healing power of community, nature, and purpose-driven work—we invite you to be part of it.

Your donation, your time, your voice—it all matters.

🌱 Make a gift today: Use the button below!
🧡 Volunteer or partner with us: info@covranch.org
📲 Follow us on social media to stay connected, share our story, and grow the mission with us.

Together, we’re building something that lasts.

Central Oregon Veterans Ranch is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the State of Oregon. Your donations are fully tax-deductible. Tax ID: 37-1755279
© 2024 Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. All Rights Reserved.