WHITETAIL'S STORY

Whitetail Ranch Center is the vision of Dave and Julie Tudor.  Whitetail did not come together overnight.  It started as a retirement idea.  Dave and I wanted to retire in Montana, and we wanted to have horses again.  It was a selfish idea.  Yet, as Julie watched Dave’s son, an Iraqi War Veteran struggling with PTSD, coupled with her own desire to get back on ground level and make a difference in the lives of others, the vision to have their own ranch slowly evolved into Whitetail Ranch Center. 

Whitetail's vision is the result of research, conversations, and visiting other nonprofit organizations serving Veterans.   As a college professor, Julie dove into the literature to see what is working and what is not, and to learn what are others are recommending.  We have talked with Veterans, family members of Veterans, mental health professionals, farmers and ranchers, equine specialists, and community members.  We have met with congressional offices and VA Services.  Dave and Julie have shared VFW, American Legion, and Caring Veterans of America groups.  They have spoken with representatives from organizations, such as, NEOVETs in Northeastern Ohio, EquiCenter in Honeyo Falls in New York, Chefs for Vets in Charleston, South Carolina, Culinary Command in Las Vegas, Warriors and Veterans Agricultural Program in West Virginia, Equest in Dallas, Texas, and DreamPower in Gilroy, California.  Dave and Julie visited Braveheart Therapeutic Riding in Harvard, IL – one of the premier Veteran equine programs in the country.  In Montana, Whitetail Ranch Center has become an active member of Montana Joining Community Forces, visited Eagle Mount's therapeutic and adaptive sports directors multiple times, talked with representatives from The Foundation Station, Willowbend Farm, Strike Farms, MSU Bozeman’s Department of Ag and Veteran Services, Montana’s Dept of Ag, and the Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center.  And, here in Three Forks, we have had conversations with the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, Three Forks Saddlery, and dozens of individuals.  These visits and conversations have all been to fully shape and refine Whitetail’s vision as Whitetail is dedicated to improving quality of life for our Veterans.

Indeed, many wonderful veteran non-profit organizations are meeting Veteran's needs, yet, no comprehensive, long-term residential program that provided vocational training seemed to exist. So, Dave and Julie got to work connecting with veterans, farmers, executive chefs, mental health professionals, VA professionals, and equine specialists across the country. Thus, after much reading, listening, and learning, Whitetail Ranch Center's vision came to light.

Everyone Dave and Julie have talked to and continue to talk to have affirmed the need for Whitetail to become a reality.  Everyone has seen the need for such a unique, comprehensive nonprofit to better serve our Veterans.   Make Whitetail a reality today...