From left, Rob Moore, Markus Deas, and Ryan Deas co-founded Range Ranch to serve military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Members of the United States armed forces are often celebrated for their service, but far too often, they are not supported with adequate care once their active duty responsibilities are relieved.

Saturday, a local corporation is looking to hold the first of potentially many events to provide care to veterans in need.

From noon until 4 p.m. on Saturday will be the first equine therapy event held by Range Ranch, LLC, of Fredonia. Founded by two active-duty members of the U.S. Marines and a commercial pilot, Range Ranch was incorporated earlier this year. Its mission is to serve veterans of the military in a variety of ways, including a therapeutic environment to connect veterans with animals to assist with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related issues.

Co-founders and brothers Markus Deas and Ryan Deas, who were raised in Fredonia, were motivated to invest in their local community with a cause near to their hearts. Ryan Deas, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, is a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His brother, Markus Deas, is a commercial pilot with Breeze Airways and a graduate of Liberty University. Their mother, Mary Deas, assists as the General Manager of Range Ranch.

“They have always loved it here,” Mary Deas said. “They wanted to invest here.”

Joining their cause was co-founder Rob Moore, a lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Marines, who has served in active duty with the Marines for 18 years. Moore, a graduate of Brigham Young University, has served multiple tours overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Moore and Ryan Deas first began dreaming of the idea years ago while stationed together at Quantico, Va.

“We both mentioned that we had an interest in helping our veterans in overcoming trauma that they have had from training and in combat experiences,” Moore said. “Given that I have my own, it is near and dear to my heart.”

Taking on mental illness and trauma-related issues is easier said than done, especially with the tendency of many healthcare systems across the country to rely primarily on medication to treat such issues. Range Ranch is hoping to provide an alternative to medication for its veterans in need.

“The VA’s answer to most of this for veterans is to just medicate them. A lot of them then get attached to or hooked on the medications that are being used to treat them,” Moore said. “It’s proven that equine therapy, in a clean, open environment … can help them overcome their stress and other mental issues they are going through.”

Moore expanded upon the benefit that equine therapy provides.

“Horses and humans have a longstanding relationship with taking care of each other. Horses are very intuitive to humans and their feelings and emotions. They are very calming,” Moore said.

According to Range Ranch, Saturday’s event is coordinated through the Recreation Therapy Supervisor of the VA Western NY Healthcare System and the Executive Director of N.E.I.G.H., Inc. of Bemus Point, who specialize in post-traumatic growth with veterans, active military, and first responders. Veterans registered for the event will interact with facilitators, other participants, horses, and the peaceful farm surroundings to acquire helpful strategies to be used in their daily lives.

“We want to be able to give access to veterans through the VA to be able to come here, to work the lands, to support each other and have support groups here,” Moore said. “That was our thought process, to give back to those who have given a lot of their own life to the national defense of our country.”

Range Ranch hopes to hold many more events like Saturday’s event to establish a foothold within the local community, along with the community of military veterans in need of assistance.

“We are very excited and have gotten a lot of support from the Western New York VA,” Mary Deas said.

While still active-duty members, Moore and Ryan Deas have gradually begun expanding their footprint in the community when they can. Coordinating trips on holiday weekends and through taking leave, Moore, Ryan Deas and Markus Deas have focused on starting the ranch and preparing the properties to commence their equine therapy program.

The group has made “considerable” purchases in the community over the years, totaling approximately 250 acres of land in Fredonia, located on or around Fredonia Stockton Road. Among the various properties are the 150-acre Range Ranch location off Fredonia Stockton Road near Osborne Road, as well as an 8-acre farmhouse on the corner of Osborne Road and Concord Drive that dates back to 1835.

“Our goal is to invest back in the community,” Moore said.

As Moore begins to eye retirement from the military after a career of service, the group’s footprint in the community will grow over time. Range Ranch will also eventually begin producing locally sourced food, including beef and chicken. Branded apparel made in the U.S. will also benefit the corporation’s mission.

More information about Range Ranch is available online at rangeranch.com.