BLACKLICK, OH -- There are people all across Ohio making a positive impact in their communities and even changing lives, we like to call them everyday heroes. 

One Ohio woman is doing just that by turning her grief into good and using horseback riding therapy to help our veterans. 

Darlene bell—or “mama dar” to those at dreams on horseback—started the military connections program at the safe haven in Blacklick, Ohio, just outside of Columbus.

It’s a place that offers a variety of equestrian experiences to those with challenges, including riding therapy for all ages…

 

 

And because of Darlene, they’re now serving those who have served our country so bravely…like Katrina Benoit.

“I had a big time struggle coming home from deployment. My deployment was in 2012 to Afghanistan. I was injured…. I pretty much broke my entire spine and hips…i’ve had seven spinal surgeries in the last three years. I also have severe PTSD…huge trust issues…because I lost my team leader and my gunner down range….so having to witness that was not….it’ll change you.”

Katrina told Spectrum News 1 that Darlene reached out to her about the program and has become a huge inspiration as she adjusts to life after service. 

“Her sense of humor, she loves to keep a smile on your face, she’s absolutely motivated. She reminded me of myself when I was open…before my deployment…so she definitely gave me a goal to reach for…to try and find myself again.”

Darlene knows first hand how tough it can be for vets when they return home, as her grandson died after a battle with PTSD.

“My grandson Nathan lived with my husband and me since the time he was in 8th grade until just prior to deployment to Iraq and he passed away 5 months after a tour in Iraq. He just was not the same when he came home and he didn’t want to get help because he didn’t want a diagnosis and not be able to deploy again. So, having a military program is important.” 

Her goal is that all veterans can feel they have a family of support at dreams on horseback and can get the attention and comfort they deserve. 

Dreams that have now become a reality for vets like Katrina. 

Now a widow, Darlene, and her family are honoring her late husband's memory in other ways as well.

“It was the 5th anniversary of my husband passing…and my kids and I donated a mechanical lift that will take people from a wheelchair and mount them on a horse…makes it a lot more dignified for them.”

Darlene goes to the VA once a month to spread the word among veterans about the program, using her story and her gifts to connect with vets all over the state. 

“It matters to me that everyone who wants to come….can come.”

If you’d like to learn more about the great programs they offer visit their website.

And if you have an everyday hero you’d like us to feature—send us an email at SpectrumNewsOH@Charter.com