2022 National American Legion Auxiliary Public Spirit Award Winner

#BootsOnTheGround
#BootsOnTheGround
  • Home
  • Our Mission
  • Programs
  • MRMS
  • Staff
  • The Horses
  • Sponsor a Horse
  • Emergency Resources
  • Medical Resources
  • Job Bank for Vets
  • SD Veteran Resources
  • MN Veteran Resources
  • The Ranch
  • Tribute to the Fallen
  • Ranch Report
  • The Bradley Jobe Memorial
  • Store
  • DONATE
  • Our Partners
  • Contributors
  • DTOM Gallery
  • Mental Me Podcast
  • Phone Service Resource
  • DTOM Public Information
  • More
    • Home
    • Our Mission
    • Programs
    • MRMS
    • Staff
    • The Horses
    • Sponsor a Horse
    • Emergency Resources
    • Medical Resources
    • Job Bank for Vets
    • SD Veteran Resources
    • MN Veteran Resources
    • The Ranch
    • Tribute to the Fallen
    • Ranch Report
    • The Bradley Jobe Memorial
    • Store
    • DONATE
    • Our Partners
    • Contributors
    • DTOM Gallery
    • Mental Me Podcast
    • Phone Service Resource
    • DTOM Public Information

  • Home
  • Our Mission
  • Programs
  • MRMS
  • Staff
  • The Horses
  • Sponsor a Horse
  • Emergency Resources
  • Medical Resources
  • Job Bank for Vets
  • SD Veteran Resources
  • MN Veteran Resources
  • The Ranch
  • Tribute to the Fallen
  • Ranch Report
  • The Bradley Jobe Memorial
  • Store
  • DONATE
  • Our Partners
  • Contributors
  • DTOM Gallery
  • Mental Me Podcast
  • Phone Service Resource
  • DTOM Public Information

Meet the DTOM CEO, and President

Mr. Chris Reder: CEO and Chairman of the Board

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) President, and Co-Founder

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) President, and Co-Founder

Passionate about and dedicated to helping veterans and their families heal.   We all experience some level of hardships once we get out of the military, and it is my mission to ease these hardships on our veterans and their families...by working together on the same mission.  Once you cross the tracks of the DTOM Veterans Ranch, you becom

Passionate about and dedicated to helping veterans and their families heal.   We all experience some level of hardships once we get out of the military, and it is my mission to ease these hardships on our veterans and their families...by working together on the same mission.  Once you cross the tracks of the DTOM Veterans Ranch, you become our family, and we take care of family and Honor the Oath we all took.  Chris is the National American Made Heroes Award Winner; Evan Williams, National Public Spirit Award Winner; American Legion Auxiliary, the Chet Sorenson South Dakota Veteran of the year, the Rich Kezar Veteran of the Armed Services Award Winner, DTOM Abby Bridge Builder Award, Commander of the Warner Post 137 of the American Legion and a U.S. 

Navy Veteran


Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) President, and Co-Founder

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) President, and Co-Founder

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) President, and Co-Founder

Dedicated to helping individuals and families heal through the use of innovative, and scientific research that heals the whole person and family as a unit, not just the problem.  Veterans helping Veterans...Keep those boots on the ground and heal together as a unit...like we used to.   Doc T is an executive leadership graduate of the Nati

Dedicated to helping individuals and families heal through the use of innovative, and scientific research that heals the whole person and family as a unit, not just the problem.  Veterans helping Veterans...Keep those boots on the ground and heal together as a unit...like we used to.   Doc T is an executive leadership graduate of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a certified clinical trauma counselor.  She is a member of the American Legion, she recently received the National Public Spirit Award and  the National Caregivers Award: American Legion Auxiliary, NCU Doctoral Alumni of the Year Award Winner, Rich Kezar Veteran of the Armed Services Award winner, DTOM Abby Bridge Builder Award winner and Pearson Publishing Author Award.

Army Veteran, CH47 D, Cargo Helicopter Crew Chief and Gunner.

Meet our Executive Board Members

Justin Feickert

Justin Feickert

Justin Feickert

Army Veteran, Family Man, and Owner of 13 Stripes Supply Co. and Quality Quick Print

 Born and raised in Aberdeen, SD.  He joined the SD Army National Guard at 17 and served for 8 years with one active-duty tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 from Dec 2003 to Feb 2005.  He currently serves as the CEO of his family's 2nd Generation business Q

Army Veteran, Family Man, and Owner of 13 Stripes Supply Co. and Quality Quick Print

 Born and raised in Aberdeen, SD.  He joined the SD Army National Guard at 17 and served for 8 years with one active-duty tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 from Dec 2003 to Feb 2005.  He currently serves as the CEO of his family's 2nd Generation business Quality Quick Print.  He is married to his wife of 18 years, Toni Feickert, and together they have 4 children.  He is an active member of Sacred Heart Parish, the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  He also founded and operates a Veteran Owned company, 13 Stripes Supply, Co., where the mission is to get the American Flag everywhere while donating 13% back on every order to a non-profit Veteran’s cause.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, the outdoors, riding motorcycle and enjoying life! 

Grant Seaman

Justin Feickert

Justin Feickert

Son of Army Reserves Veteran,  Family Man, and President of Bank North of Warner, SD. 

 Grant was raised in Warner, SD and is a graduate of Warner High School and South Dakota State University.  He is a 3rd generation banker and is currently President of BankNorth in Warner. Grant and his wife Lori have 5 children and are soon to be blesse

Son of Army Reserves Veteran,  Family Man, and President of Bank North of Warner, SD. 

 Grant was raised in Warner, SD and is a graduate of Warner High School and South Dakota State University.  He is a 3rd generation banker and is currently President of BankNorth in Warner. Grant and his wife Lori have 5 children and are soon to be blessed with their 6th grandchild. Grant has been active in many organizations over the years, some of which include the Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, South Dakota Bankers Association and the Warner/Stratford Lion's Club. 

John Harper

Dustin Maier, 452 Army Reserve Veteran

Dustin Maier, 452 Army Reserve Veteran

John is a U.S. Army Veteran and a family man. John Grew up in Oklahoma and entered the Army after high school. He served from 89’ to 91’ mostly with the 1st of the 508th Airborne Infantry Battalion with the 193rd Brigade in Panama. He was medically discharged in 91’ from injuries sustained in a parachuting accident. He has lived in Watert

John is a U.S. Army Veteran and a family man. John Grew up in Oklahoma and entered the Army after high school. He served from 89’ to 91’ mostly with the 1st of the 508th Airborne Infantry Battalion with the 193rd Brigade in Panama. He was medically discharged in 91’ from injuries sustained in a parachuting accident. He has lived in Watertown South Dakota since 2002 where he lives with his wife and two daughters. John has served as the American Legion Post Commander for two terms in Watertown, as the Codington Co. commander for two terms, as the district vice commander for one term and is also the SD State founder for the American Legion Riders. John is a paid up for life member of the American Legion, a Life member of the VFW, a life member of Disabled American Veterans, A life member of AmVets, and is the former SD State President for the US Military Vets Motorcycle Club.


Dustin Maier, 452 Army Reserve Veteran

Dustin Maier, 452 Army Reserve Veteran

Dustin Maier, 452 Army Reserve Veteran

Dustin grew up in Onida, SD and is a graduate of Sully Buttes High School and Lake Area Technical Institute, in Watertown, SD. He currently resides in Oakes, ND where he is an insurance agent for Starion Insurance. He is active in many community organizations and events, including the Lions Club of Oakes, and is a board member on the Oake

Dustin grew up in Onida, SD and is a graduate of Sully Buttes High School and Lake Area Technical Institute, in Watertown, SD. He currently resides in Oakes, ND where he is an insurance agent for Starion Insurance. He is active in many community organizations and events, including the Lions Club of Oakes, and is a board member on the Oakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Dustin is married to Alisha Maier, the VP of the Oakes, ND DTOM Chapter, and together they have two children, Kennedy and Isaiah. He enjoys football (Green Bay Packers in particular), wrestling, bull riding, hunting and fishing, gardening, and riding motorcycles. His passion for helping military veterans stems from losing loved ones in the past and is dedicated to doing what is necessary to help the DTOM Veterans Ranch, in whatever capacity he is able, to better serve our brothers and sisters. 

MRMS Clinical Research Team

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

Dedicated to helping individuals and families heal through the use of innovative, and scientific research that heals the whole person and family as a unit, not just the problem.  Veterans helping Veterans...Keep those boots on the ground and heal together as a unit...like we used to.   Doc T is an executive leadership graduate of the Nati

Dedicated to helping individuals and families heal through the use of innovative, and scientific research that heals the whole person and family as a unit, not just the problem.  Veterans helping Veterans...Keep those boots on the ground and heal together as a unit...like we used to.   Doc T is an executive leadership graduate of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a certified clinical trauma counselor.  She is a member of the American Legion, she recently received the National Public Spirit Award and  the National Caregivers Award: American Legion Auxiliary, NCU Doctoral Alumni of the Year Award Winner, Rich Kezar Veteran of the Armed Services Award winner, DTOM Abby Bridge Builder Award winner and Pearson Publishing Author Award.

Army Veteran, CH47 D, Cargo Helicopter Crew Chief and Gunner.

Dr. Martin Vick (MD) MRMS Medical Director and Primary Consultant.

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

I was born in Minneapolis and educated at the University of Minnesota, obtaining my MD in 1981.   My dad was a WWII combat vet, having served in the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific.  The lingering effects of his service gave me a personal interest in what we now recognize as PTSD.  I practiced as an anesthesiologist at Avera St Lukes 

I was born in Minneapolis and educated at the University of Minnesota, obtaining my MD in 1981.   My dad was a WWII combat vet, having served in the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific.  The lingering effects of his service gave me a personal interest in what we now recognize as PTSD.  I practiced as an anesthesiologist at Avera St Lukes Hospital in Aberdeen, SD and retired in 2019. 


It is with great honor that DTOM introduces Dr. Vick as an important part of our therapeutic research team and we are honored to have him on board as we continue to build the MRMS team.  Welcome Dr. Vick!

Darcy Wood, X-Ray Tech, MRMS Clinician

Dr. Tracy Diefenbach, (PhD) MRMS Founder, Researcher, and Primary Equine-Assisted Clinician

Harmony Mielke, RN, MRMS Clinician and Junior Board President.

"I am the wife of an Air Force Veteran, and mother to two boys.  I have many friends and family who are in the military, and I believe in the whole mission of the DTOM Veterans Ranch and the MRMS therapy program for what they do for veterans and their families.  Being a part of the Junior Board and the DTOM Veterans Ranch will allow me to

"I am the wife of an Air Force Veteran, and mother to two boys.  I have many friends and family who are in the military, and I believe in the whole mission of the DTOM Veterans Ranch and the MRMS therapy program for what they do for veterans and their families.  Being a part of the Junior Board and the DTOM Veterans Ranch will allow me to instill in the youth what it means to be a Patriot and to help veterans in need who sacrificed so much for America. 

Harmony Mielke, RN, MRMS Clinician and Junior Board President.

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

Harmony Mielke, RN, MRMS Clinician and Junior Board President.

"As we express our gratitude for our Veterans, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

Our Veterans and their families have made the ultimate sacrifice. I am driven to make a difference in their lives. In a world that has seemingly turned a blind eye, I am driven to en

"As we express our gratitude for our Veterans, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

Our Veterans and their families have made the ultimate sacrifice. I am driven to make a difference in their lives. In a world that has seemingly turned a blind eye, I am driven to ensure they know they are not alone, 

Wife of a Marine Corps Veteran.

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

Mrs. Tonia McGeorge is a lady of many hats! Mainly having been dedicated to the Medical Health Care and Medical Massage Therapy needs for all ages and most circumstances for over 20 years combined.  Her training is specific in Massage and health modalities and has dedicated herself to the service of our Military Veterans with her expertis

Mrs. Tonia McGeorge is a lady of many hats! Mainly having been dedicated to the Medical Health Care and Medical Massage Therapy needs for all ages and most circumstances for over 20 years combined.  Her training is specific in Massage and health modalities and has dedicated herself to the service of our Military Veterans with her expertise.  Tonia has served in the Civil Air Patrol and is Commissioned throufgh the Chaplain Corp as a 2nd Lt. and Character Development Instructor and Assistant Chaplain.  Working at Retrieve Day Spa in Leadership and Massage Therapy to help others find hope and solutions to challenges they face daily.  Tonia is a Professional Member with the AMTA and serving as South Dakota chapter delegate, a member of the Christian Motorcycles Association serving in the Aberdeen Hub City Chapter and has earned the title Mrs. South Dakota Spirit of Global United, Author, Mom, Wife and Dog Mom!  Tonia is an important part of the DTOM Veterans Ranch MRMS healing program and works closely with Dr. Diefenbach on the specified care of our Veteran Community. 

Mr. Chad Mielke, Youth Therapy and MRMS Safety Clinician.

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

Tonia McGeorge, Licensed Massage Therapist, MRMS Massage Therapy Consultant

I am a USMC Disabled Veteran.  I served in several Middle-Eastern Tours, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, the DMZ, Pohang, and Pusan in South Korea.  I have served as a youth counselor and have worked with kids of all ages and backgrounds.  I am passionate about giving our youth the opportunity to excel, and am excited to teach them about Americanism while making a difference in their lives.  

DTOM National Veteran Crisis Outreach Team Members

Sean Dietz (Texas) Veteran Crisis Out-Reach Liaison

Mr. Curt Nelson, U.S. Navy Veteran, (Minnesota) President of the Veteran Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Coming Soon: Sheri Loucks-York and Stacey Loucks(Arizona) Veteran Crisis Out-Reach Liaison

DTOM would like to welcome Mr. Sean Dietz who will be joining our volunteer team as a veteran crisis outreach liaison in Texas.  Thank you Sean!!!  Sean has inspired us as veterans to heal together as family, and work together as a community.  Sean’s life experiences will provide guidance to those in need, and his care and compassion for 

DTOM would like to welcome Mr. Sean Dietz who will be joining our volunteer team as a veteran crisis outreach liaison in Texas.  Thank you Sean!!!  Sean has inspired us as veterans to heal together as family, and work together as a community.  Sean’s life experiences will provide guidance to those in need, and his care and compassion for people are to be admired.  Welcome to the DTOM Family brother!

Coming Soon: Sheri Loucks-York and Stacey Loucks(Arizona) Veteran Crisis Out-Reach Liaison

Mr. Curt Nelson, U.S. Navy Veteran, (Minnesota) President of the Veteran Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Coming Soon: Sheri Loucks-York and Stacey Loucks(Arizona) Veteran Crisis Out-Reach Liaison

DTOM would like to welcome Mrs. Sheri-Loucks-York and Stacey Loucks who will be joining our volunteer team as a a veteran crisis outreach liaison in Arizona.  Thank you Sheri and Stacey and welcome to the DTOM Veterans Ranch Family!  These passion that these two ladies have for helping people (veterans) is to be admired.  They have inspir

DTOM would like to welcome Mrs. Sheri-Loucks-York and Stacey Loucks who will be joining our volunteer team as a a veteran crisis outreach liaison in Arizona.  Thank you Sheri and Stacey and welcome to the DTOM Veterans Ranch Family!  These passion that these two ladies have for helping people (veterans) is to be admired.  They have inspired us as veterans to keep our families strong, keep them close, and we can work through anything.  Welcome sisters! 

Mr. Curt Nelson, U.S. Navy Veteran, (Minnesota) President of the Veteran Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Mr. Curt Nelson, U.S. Navy Veteran, (Minnesota) President of the Veteran Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Mr. Ben Stout, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, (Minnesota) Vice President of The Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

"I served in the Navy as a Radioman from 1967 to 1971.  I was stationed in SE Asia and Alaska and also had a long career in MN Law Enforcement and retired in 2001.  I'm very active in Fosston MN Community Projects.  The most recent project is the development and ongoing improvement to the city Veterans Memorial Park."  

Mr. Ben Stout, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, (Minnesota) Vice President of The Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Mr. Ben Stout, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, (Minnesota) Vice President of The Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, northern chapter.

Mr. Ben Stout is our Fosston Minnesota DTOM Vice President and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served from 2008 to 2012 and was stationed in Camp Pendleton with 3rd BN, 1st Marines as an 0311Infantry Rifleman. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and with the 11th MEU in 2011.  Ben is currently a Deputy Sheriff with the Polk County Sherrif's O

Mr. Ben Stout is our Fosston Minnesota DTOM Vice President and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served from 2008 to 2012 and was stationed in Camp Pendleton with 3rd BN, 1st Marines as an 0311Infantry Rifleman. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 and with the 11th MEU in 2011.  Ben is currently a Deputy Sheriff with the Polk County Sherrif's Office (MN).  He is also involved with the city of Fosston's Veterans Memorial Park.  

Mrs. Micheline Nelson, (Western South Dakota) Veteran Crisis Outreach Liaison.

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Meet Mrs. Micheline Nelson, our West River DTOM Veterans Ranch liaison.  Wife of USAF Veteran Fred Nelson, daughter of WWII four-year POW Belgian Army Veteran, also a patriot known as an “American Woman.”  Born and raised in Belgium, she moved to South Dakota to teach on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation for 9 years before teaching at 

Meet Mrs. Micheline Nelson, our West River DTOM Veterans Ranch liaison.  Wife of USAF Veteran Fred Nelson, daughter of WWII four-year POW Belgian Army Veteran, also a patriot known as an “American Woman.”  Born and raised in Belgium, she moved to South Dakota to teach on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation for 9 years before teaching at Black Hills State University, preparing future teachers. She retired after 20 years and continues to mentor first year teachers. She is a member and president of the Spearfish American Legion Unit 164, secretary and charter member of the Black Hills Chapter of the American Legion Riders, and life member of the Disabled American Veteran Auxiliary Chapter 11. She lives the mission of “Service, not Self.” In her spare time, she enjoys time with family, traveling, trapshooting, gardening, and riding motorcycle with her husband. 

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Mrs. Alisha Maier, 452nd Army Reserve Veteran, (North Dakota) President of the Veterans Crisis Outreach Team, south eastern chapter.

Coming Soon:  We would like to welcome Mrs. Alisha Maier, Army Reserve Veteran and the new Vice President of the Oakes North Dakota DTOM Chapter!  Welcome aboard Alisha! 

Mr. Fred Nelson, (Western South Dakota) Veteran Crisis Outreach Liaison

Mr. Fred Nelson, (Western South Dakota) Veteran Crisis Outreach Liaison

Mr. Fred Nelson, (Western South Dakota) Veteran Crisis Outreach Liaison

Coming Soon: Mr. Fred Nelson is the two- time State American Legion Commander, and an Airforce Veteran.  Fred is our West River DTOM Liaison, and his bio will be coming soon!  

State Chaplains Corner

Mr. Logan Hanson (South Dakota) Veterans Chaplain

Mr. Logan Hanson (South Dakota) Veterans Chaplain

Mr. Logan Hanson (South Dakota) Veterans Chaplain

DTOM would like to welcome Mr. Logan Hanson to our State Veterans Chaplain Team.  Logan’s bio will be coming soon! Logan has inspired us as veterans to love life and live it to the fullest extent possible. His dedication to healing and finding peace in a hurting world will help many people find their way once again.  

Mr. Cal Farmer (Minnesota) Veterans Chaplain

Mr. Logan Hanson (South Dakota) Veterans Chaplain

Mr. Logan Hanson (South Dakota) Veterans Chaplain

Mr. Cal Farmer and his family are from Pipestone Minnestoa and are currently serving as our Chaplain Support for the DTOM Ranch here in South Dakota and in Pipestone Minnesota.  Cal is a Vietnam Veteran who is dedicated to helping veterans, and is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  

Ms. Amy Harwell (Indiana) Veterans Chaplain

Pastor JT Coughlan (Montana) Set Free Ministries

Pastor JT Coughlan (Montana) Set Free Ministries

DTOM would like to introduce our beloved Ms. Amy Harrell, Army Veteran, and our American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain, unit 249, of Indianapolis who has a heart of gold when it comes to feeding people and helping them find their way!  Chaplain Harwell just turned 80 years old and still manages to feed 272 people in a week!  Ms. Amy always pu

DTOM would like to introduce our beloved Ms. Amy Harrell, Army Veteran, and our American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain, unit 249, of Indianapolis who has a heart of gold when it comes to feeding people and helping them find their way!  Chaplain Harwell just turned 80 years old and still manages to feed 272 people in a week!  Ms. Amy always puts everyone before herself and believes that love and faith can heal us all…together!  

Pastor JT Coughlan (Montana) Set Free Ministries

Pastor JT Coughlan (Montana) Set Free Ministries

Pastor JT Coughlan (Montana) Set Free Ministries

Pastor JT is truly a leader of healing and faith, helping people find their way with great compassion, empathy, and leadership.  Pastor JT has helped feed and care for many people, helping them change their lives, and we are honored to know him and walk with him on our Faith journeys.    Pastor JT is a true leader of the people, and lives

Pastor JT is truly a leader of healing and faith, helping people find their way with great compassion, empathy, and leadership.  Pastor JT has helped feed and care for many people, helping them change their lives, and we are honored to know him and walk with him on our Faith journeys.    Pastor JT is a true leader of the people, and lives with purpose and action…not just words.  Welcome Pastor JT! 

Mailing Address:

DTOM Veterans Ranch

13952 387th Ave

Warner, SD 57479

501(c)3 82-0917469



Copyright © 2019 DTOM 22/0 Foundation - All Rights Reserved

Powered by GoDaddy

  • Mental Me Podcast