News & Events

As our Hosting Season comes to a close, we want to thank the many volunteers, partners, and supporters who helped make each weekend special. Your time, energy, and teamwork made it possible to welcome our guests with their families and provide a place to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the Ranch. While Hosting Weekends are winding down, Ranch Reset Days will continue to provide opportunities for injured service members, veterans undergoing care or treatment, and first responders to enjoy time at the Ranch. Now, we look ahead to an exciting fall! Ride for Valor on October 10 and our 4th Annual Run for Valor on November 14 will bring our community, local businesses, families, and friends together in support of the Valor Ranch mission. Thank you for being part of our team. We look forward to finishing the year strong — together!

Valor Ranch is excited to partner with Topside Federal Credit Union's Topside Cares Program! Starting October 1 through the end of December, Topside Cares will match donations Valor Ranch receives up to $2,500, giving our community an opportunity to double the impact of their support. Every contribution helps us continue providing no-cost weekend retreats and Ranch Reset Days for injured service members and veterans undergoing care, first responders, and their families. Look for Valor Ranch Facebook posts and other social media announcements with more information, and help us spread the word by sharing them with your friends, family, and community!

The 4th Annual Run for Valor is quickly approaching, and the planning team is busy getting everything ready! Sponsors are being contacted, vendors and food trucks are being finalized, and plans are coming together for a great race day on November 14. Planning meetings are held October 6 and 20 at 6:00 PM in the Art Room. But we still need YOU! Volunteers are needed for a variety of important race-day tasks to help keep everything running smoothly. Sign up for the race or choose to volunteer on race day (scroll to the bottom of the registration page and select "Volunteer"). The Volunteer Coordinator is victoria.paulsona@valorranch.us. Come be part of the excitement and see the impact of your support as runners and ruckers cross the finish line! For more information, contact Amanda Blackman at amanda.blackman@valorranch.us or 757-642-1330.

The road to Valor Ranch is getting ready to rumble! Ride for Valor, in partnership with the River Rats of Colonial Beach, VA, will bring riders together on Saturday, October 10 for a special day of camaraderie, community, and support for Valor Ranch. The ride will take riders from Beach Gate Shopping Center in Colonial Beach to Valor Ranch, where everyone will gather to enjoy the Ranch and experience firsthand the place their support helps make possible. Registration is 9:30–10:30 AM, with kickstands up at 10:30 AM. More than a motorcycle ride, Ride for Valor is a celebration of those who serve and the community that stands behind them. We are grateful to the River Rats and every rider who joins us on the road. Start your engines, bring your friends, and ride with us for Valor!

Sometimes, simply making the decision to show up is the first step. Recently, one of our guests shared that they had been on the fence about coming to Valor Ranch. Our team followed up with them through several calls before the weekend, encouraging them and answering questions along the way. On Friday, they shared that they had actually gone shopping that day with no intention of attending the weekend — but somehow, they ended up at the Ranch. During an art activity, they were hesitant about one particular challenge: painting a horse. They realized they were more fearful of horses than they had expected — even painting a picture of one pushed them outside their comfort zone. By the end of the weekend, their perspective had completely changed. They embraced each challenge, pushed through their hesitation, and — most importantly — overcame their fear of horses. Their story reminds us that taking one small step can lead to unexpected growth, new experiences, and renewed confidence.

The Ranch is powered by teamwork! Not every Valor Ranch volunteer works with animals — it takes many different skills to keep the Ranch running. From hospitality, events, administration, outreach, marketing, and fundraising to facility projects, meal preparation, animal care, and grounds maintenance, every role contributes to creating a welcoming experience for our guests.

Our community partners make it possible for Valor Ranch to continue creating meaningful experiences for those we serve. This month we'd like to recognize Booz Allen, the Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council (MAC), and VFW Post 12202. Thank you for standing with us!