OUR MISSION

The Sheepdog Coalition harnesses the healing power of nature to support Combat Veterans. We provide comprehensive assistance with Veterans Affairs (VA) and Combat Related Special Compensation (CRSC) claims through our team of specialized doctors and lawyers, helping veterans achieve the correct disability rating. Our services are offered at no cost, thanks to our dedicated volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves. By offering activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and surfing, we facilitate healing, foster connections, and build lasting friendships. Our diverse community, including business owners, executives, salespeople, and retirees, is united in our mission to create a resilient support system. Together, we strive to prevent further loss, failure, or self-inflicted harm among our comrades, ensuring that every veteran finds the strength and support they need.

Long Live The Brotherhood!

meet the team

Michael Tyrrel

PRESIDENT/Founder

Mike Tyrrel entered the Marine Corps Reserves in December of 1986 and retired from the Navy in 2007 after 20 years of service. Mike served with 1st ANGLICO, 1st Recon Bn, 1st Force Recon Co, Marine Corps SOCOM Detachment 1, and the Special Missions Training Branch for the newly formed MARSOC, where he had multiple combat deployments. Shortly after retirement, Mike and his wife Merri created a company focusing on small arms and operational medical training. They are honored to have over 100 special operations combat veterans working with them. As an avid outdoorsman, Mike was inspired by the proper healing and camaraderie during such activities. He decided to focus on the psychological well-being of the combat veteran and their struggle with the part of life that outsiders cannot see through the implementation of a recreational therapy program.

BILLY CLARK

VICE PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF VA BENEFITS

Billy Clark is a Senior Program manager at GAPs solutions. He served a 24-year career in the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy as a Command Master Chief. He completed Marine Basic Training in 1997. In 2001 he transitioned to the United States Navy and became qualified as a military police officer and working dog handler in San Antonio, TX. He served in Italy and Bahrain before going to Naval Special Warfare Development Group as a Special Operations Handler for over 12 years. Throughout his career, Billy has completed 13 combat deployments in support of several operations worldwide, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Billy’s awards and commendations include the Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor, 4 Joint Service Commendations with Valor, and a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, among others. Billy has a passion for running and fitness and is an accomplished Ultramarathon runner, completing many 100 and 50-mile races. He is also a stage 3 cancer survivor and was a Division 1 football player before his service. He spends his free time working out and spending time with his family.

Ted Handler

Chief OPERATIONS Officer

Ted Handler retired from 20 years of active duty service from the United States Marine Corps in 2018, having spent time in the infantry, reconnaissance, and MARSOC communities before finishing the last five years of his military career with NSWDG. After retirement, Ted began a new career with STIHL Inc. as a Senior Manager and is responsible for modernizing systems, processes, and mindset to “future-proof” the organization. Ted sits on several other boards, but his love of the outdoors, small unit camaraderie, and combat experience make his affiliation with the Sheepdog Coalition a labor of love for which he is both proud and happy to participate.

Semper Fidelis, Spiritus Invictus and LLTB

Glen cederholm

Deputy Operations Officer

Glen Cederholm entered Military served in the United States Marine Corp on September 1995. Retiring after 20 years of service on November 2015. Glen served in the following units 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1stRecon Battalion, 1st Special Operations Training Group, MCCSOCOM Detachment 1, 1st Special Missions Training Branch, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. After retirement Glen felt the calling to work with veterans that struggle with addiction as well as PTSD. He volunteers his time at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Centers Rehabilitation department(FOR). Glen also is the Vice President of S.U.A.S. A nonprofit that works with active duty, separated, and retired veterans by smoking meats and cooking meals for veterans, addicts and individuals in need.

 

Shane O’Neal

Secretary

Shane O'Neal is currently serving in the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his 15 years of service he has completed 5 deployments and served onboard Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FOUR, Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR, U.S. TENTH Fleet, USS Kearsarge, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Group TWO. Shane serves as the Board Secretary and Technical Advisor for the Sheepdog Coalition.

Advisory Board

  • Beau Mattioda

    TOP ADVISOR FOR CORPORATE RELATIONS

    Beau Mattioda served 13 years in the United States Marine Corps from 2000-2013, with 3 combat deployments to Iraq, serving with LAR, 2nd Bn 4th Marines, and as the I MEF PSD Team Lead to the General. Beau also served as Weapons/ATFP Lead Instructor for the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group, deploying throughout Europe and as a training advisor to the Republic of Georgia. Beau separated from service to work as an instructor in high-risk driving, firearms and tactics, and executive protection for Academi Training Center. He went on to manage and implement autonomous targets as a contractor for the US military. Beau now works directly for The Sheepdog Coalition. He is an avid hunter, a world-class shooter, and one of SDC’s most sought-after hunting guides.

  • John Rea

    TOP ADVISOR FOR VA BENEFITS

  • Kevin Armentrout

    TOP ADVISOR FOR FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

    Kevin Armentrout served in the United States Marine Corps from 1998-2007, as an Infantryman, CQB Team Leader, and Assault Breacher. He spent two combat deployments in Iraq, and was awarded a Bronze Star for valor and Naval Commendation medal for valor. Upon separating from service he continued to work as a civilian instructor for the Marine Corps in small unit tactics and foreign weapons systems. Kevin has been a personal trainer/nutritionist for the past 15 years and currently works in health and personal development. He is a public speaker and reoccurring guest for the #1 Life & Business strategist Tony Robbins. Kevin is an American Author, online course developer, and marketing strategist.

  • Kyle Francis

    TOP ADVISOR TO THE HUNTING COMMITTEE

    Kyle Francis lives in northern Idaho and has been hunting his entire life. As an avid hunting guide, Kyle has supported SDC with his time and expertise from the very beginning. He has a love for archery elk hunting and aims to share that passion with as many combat veterans as possible. Kyle's devotion to hunting and our nation’s heroes has created some incredible backcountry adventures.

  • Andy Recker

    TOP ADVISOR FOR FISHING & SDC BOURBON

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