Recognizing the Contributions of Ride on Center for Kids (Rock)

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 20th anniversary of the ROCK On Veterans program, a pioneering initiative of the Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) in Georgetown, Texas. Since its founding in 2005, this program has provided equine-assisted services to more than one thousand veterans, offering healing and support to those who have served our Nation.

The program began as a collaboration between Lt. Colonel Scott Schule of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and ROCK, with the goal of supporting wounded veterans recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center Under ROCK's leadership and with the expertise of team members such as Dr. Priscilla Lightsey, Joan Cutler, Heidi Darning, and Dr. Nancy Krenek, the program has grown significantly over the past two decades.

Today, ROCK On Veterans offers a no-cost, 24-week curriculum proven to reduce PTSD and anxiety while enhancing overall quality of life. In addition to its equine services, the program now includes the Sport Clips Heroes Arena, the H-E-B Serving Kitchen, and the expanded Patti Colbert Learning Center. It also benefits from valuable partnerships with Texas A&M University and Parsons Mounted Cavalry.

This milestone reflects ROCK's unwavering commitment to those who have worn the uniform. The organization's work is a powerful testament to the impact of community, innovation, and compassion in the lives of our veterans.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I commend the Ride On Center for Kids for 20 years of exceptional service to our veteran community and thank them for their continued dedication to healing through horsemanship.

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