OUR MISSION
The Sheepdog Coalition exists to support the healing and reintegration of combat veterans by addressing the full spectrum of their well-being—body, mind, and spirit.
Through our three core pillars—Wellness, Advocacy, and Recreation (W.A.R.)—we provide access to functional health evaluations and support, expert assistance with VA and CRSC claims, and purpose-driven outdoor experiences that restore camaraderie, confidence, and connection.
Whether they’re navigating invisible wounds or bureaucratic barriers, our veterans are never alone. From bison hunts and beach surf retreats to lab work and benefit advocacy, our mission is built on the understanding that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—and the next mission starts right here.
We stand in the gap, so no warrior has to fight their post-combat battles alone.
Long Live The Brotherhood!
meet the team
Michael Tyrrel
PRESIDENT/Founder
Mike Tyrrel is a retired Marine and Navy combat veteran with over 20 years of service, including time with 1st ANGLICO, Force Recon, SOCOM Detachment 1, and MARSOC. After retiring, he and his wife Merri launched a training company employing over 100 special operations veterans. But like many, Mike faced his own battles after service—physical strain, invisible wounds, and a frustrating struggle navigating the VA system. Through functional medicine, expert advocacy, and time in nature with fellow warriors, he began a journey of true healing. Inspired by that transformation, Mike founded The Sheepdog Coalition to ensure other combat veterans have access to the same support—through Wellness, Advocacy, and Recreation (W.A.R.). Today, his mission is to stand in the gap so no warrior has to face it alone.
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.