John Buckley is a co-founder and biggest fan of Stillwater Ranch.
After his full-time job selling cars, he comes home to the ranch to fix everything that needs his attention. It’s a never-ending need and often thankless, behind-the-scenes job.
Without his loving support and endless energy, our ranch couldn’t survive.
The second I stepped foot on the ranch I felt something special. Yes the views were a part of it, but it was mainly feeling the sense of healing that goes on there. The mission is not simply talked about, it is acted upon. My reason for getting in involved is to keep the positive momentum going for those who need it most. I am forever grateful for those who served which is why we do what we do at the Ranch. I will be doing everything in my power to support those who need it most.
I was raised in a very Patriotic family and was taught at a young age to always honor and respect our Country and Military, stand for the National Anthem, and NEVER let our Flag touch the ground. Although I have never served our Country personally, both of my grandfathers of the Greatest Generation proudly served in the US Navy. My grandfather on my father’s side, Lowell Wesley Barrett registered for the Draft in 1941 and served in WWII as a Third-Class Petty Officer Ship’s Cook and was also recruited to run various ground and trench warfare missions in the early days of the Korean War. My grandfather on my mother’s side, Dean LaRue Bass was slated to be drafted in the late 1940’s, but instead chose to enlist and joined the US Navy on January 3, 1947. After completing bootcamp, he was stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas for a short time in the early 1950’s before being called up to serve during the Korean War. He spent 10 months and 2 days aboard the USS WASP (CV-18 Essex-Class Aircraft Carrier) as a Structural Mechanic. Both of their burial Flags are proudly displayed in our family’s living room to this day.
As I continued to hear of more and more veteran friends and acquaintances committing suicide, I thought, “What am I doing to stop this?” Frankly, I got sick and tired of just standing on the sidelines. So, I looked around in my area and was excited to find such a worthy organization as Stillwater Ranch, which helps all veterans who are dealing with PTSD and other struggles, as well as any who just want to find a community of similarly-experienced friends. I couldn’t be happier to have found this caring, passionate team and look forward to growing the reach so we can help more veterans fight their post-service battles.
My father and ex-husband both served with the Army and my son is an Army Reservist, so it is important to me that places like Stillwater Ranch exist to address the myriad needs of our Veterans, Servicemembers and their families – from dealing with the enormous complexities of PTSD to reintegration to simple comradery, Stillwater Ranch is a tremendous resource and I’m proud to be a part of helping our warriors with diverse programming to address their needs.
We need bio for Amanda
For over 20 years, I have called the open spaces of Colorado home—a place where faith, family, and freedom shape every aspect of my life. My faith guides my path, my family is my heart, and my passion for freedom and supporting our veterans fuels my soul.
As a child, I spent time on family cattle ranches and dairy farms, I developed a deep appreciation for the comfort, independence, and healing power of rural life. I have seen firsthand how horses, farm animals, and the peaceful expanse of a ranch can provide a powerful sense of renewal—especially for those who have served.
As a dedicated advocate for veterans, I believe in the transformative impact of equine therapy, hands-on farm experiences, and the restorative embrace of nature. At Stillwater, we create a space where veterans can reconnect, find purpose, and build resilience through meaningful interactions with each other, animals and the land.
It is an honor to serve on the Board at Stillwater, where I am committed to fostering programs that bring healing, trust, and a renewed sense of belonging to those who have sacrificed for our country. I look forward to continuing this mission and making a lasting impact.
Our team at Stillwater Ranch is dedicated to providing you with the information and help you need. Connect with us today and let us be a part of your journey.
