[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF RIDE ON CENTER FOR KIDS (ROCK)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2025

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the 20th 
anniversary of the ROCK On Veterans program, a pioneering initiative of 
the Ride On Center for Kids (ROCK) in Georgetown, Texas. Since its 
founding in 2005, this program has provided equine-assisted services to 
more than one thousand veterans, offering healing and support to those 
who have served our Nation.
  The program began as a collaboration between Lt. Colonel Scott Schule 
of the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Detachment at Fort Cavazos (formerly 
Fort Hood) and ROCK, with the goal of supporting wounded veterans 
recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center Under ROCK's leadership and 
with the expertise of team members such as Dr. Priscilla Lightsey, Joan 
Cutler, Heidi Darning, and Dr. Nancy Krenek, the program has grown 
significantly over the past two decades.
  Today, ROCK On Veterans offers a no-cost, 24-week curriculum proven 
to reduce PTSD and anxiety while enhancing overall quality of life. In 
addition to its equine services, the program now includes the Sport 
Clips Heroes Arena, the H-E-B Serving Kitchen, and the expanded Patti 
Colbert Learning Center. It also benefits from valuable partnerships 
with Texas A&M University and Parsons Mounted Cavalry.
  This milestone reflects ROCK's unwavering commitment to those who 
have worn the uniform. The organization's work is a powerful testament 
to the impact of community, innovation, and compassion in the lives of 
our veterans.
  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I commend 
the Ride On Center for Kids for 20 years of exceptional service to our 
veteran community and thank them for their continued dedication to 
healing through horsemanship.

                          ____________________