Solid Ground named as Air National Guard winner for Equine Services outreach to service members
Shelley Trumbly, the executive director and founder of Solid Ground Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy in Klamath Falls, Ore.,
was awarded the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Humanitarian Award for their work supporting military members, veterans and
the community with mental health challenges in 2021, March 28, 2022. The award is selected from the entire Air National Guard
consisting of 50 states, four territories, 90 different wings and over 106,000 members.
(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jefferson Thompson)
Article by Master Sgt. Jefferson Thompson, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs.
KINGSLEY FIELD – A local charity organization was named the 2022 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Humanitarian Award recipient out of the entire National Guard consisting of 54 states and territories.
Established in 1996 by the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the award is named in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, both of whom contributed extensively to the support and welfare of U.S. military members and their families.
This award is presented annually to an individual or organization outside the Department of Defense that has demonstrated exceptional patriotism, generosity and selfless dedication to members of the armed forces, or that have significantly enhanced the quality of life of military members or their families, according to Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs.
Solid Ground Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy, under the direction of Shelley Trumbly, “provides equine therapy for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral disabilities” in the Klamath Basin.
Their efforts include outreach to both active and retired military veterans who can find treatment for PTSD, anxiety, suicidal ideation and other mental health challenges.
173rd Fighter Wing Airmen and local volunteers take a group photo following the presentation of the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Humanitarian Award to Solid Ground Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy located in Klamath Falls, Ore., for their service to military members working through mental health challenges, March 28, 2022. The award is selected from the entire Air National Guard consisting of 50 states, four territories, 90 different wings and over 106,000 members. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jefferson Thompson)
“Shelley Trumbly is an exceptional leader who inspires and cares for our military community on a daily basis,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Osterland, a 173rd Fighter Wing Airman who coordinated the award submission. “She is a constant advocate for quality of life initiatives and selflessly provides therapeutic intervention to active and retired personnel of the Armed Forces.”
Solid Ground provided care for wounded warriors, first responders, and other at-risk military members—free of charge.
Utilizing a 160-acre facility including two barns, stable and riding arena, they established a military PTSD recovery program, a certified handicapped rider training program and administered 264 lessons for military members last year.
Col. Jeff Edwards, the 173rd Fighter Wing commander, personally presented Trumbly with a certificate of recognition,
“This award recognizes an organization which exemplifies the Fisher’s personal qualities of patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication to members of the armed forces,” said Edwards.
He also extended his thanks on behalf of Klamath County and the 173rd Fighter Wing. “The support you provide not only to the community of Klamath County, but also service members is truly inspiring.”