Matthew Ditto served our country for nearly 9 years as a U.S. Marine Corps 0352 Infantry Sergeant, including a combat deployment during the Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his honorable discharge in 2015, Matthew returned to his home state of Washington to use his GI Bill and pursue a new career outside the military.  The transition from military to civilian life proved to be much more difficult than anticipated, and the shock of losing the camaraderie and support of military brotherhood became an internal battle with PTSD and confusion. Matthew searched for equine therapy programs in the SE Washington region and was disappointed and discouraged by the lack of local services for military veterans. A kind stranger from Julietta, ID offered to let Matthew work her horse… and the effects of equine assisted therapy immediately improved his coping skills and ability to overcome daily struggles.

Lacy Ditto is a Marine Corps wife who supported Matthew on the home-front while he proudly served our country.  The granddaughter of a US Marine, Lacy was raised with a deep respect and understanding of military life and the sacrifices it requires. Lacy devoted much of her time to helping other military wives and families navigate and cope with the sometimes-difficult process of supporting their veterans. Families and friends of veterans deal with unique challenges and obstacles in their relationships, and mental health support for them can be incredibly beneficial to a veteran experiencing a crisis. Stronger families equals  stronger veterans.

Matthew and Lacy started working on the Benevolent Warrior Ranch project in August of 2019 to connect local veterans and their families with support services.  The ranch was officially established in Asotin, Washington in 2023.  The site is a 23-acre horse ranch on the Cloverland Prairie, 14 miles south of the town of Asotin, Washington.  The remote location in SE Washington State offers incredible mountain views, is quiet, and peaceful, making it an ideal location for equine assisted mental health therapy.