About Us
That Others May Ride
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Co-Founder, Tim Nix
SSgt Tim Nix served in USAF Special Tactics from 2009 to 2017. in the Special Reconnaissance (SR) career field with one deployment to OEF (Afghanistan). Tim’s military achievements include the Jerome Bennett Award for teamwork and the John Chapman Award for superior teamwork and leadership.
Tim is now running TOMR as well as serving as a firefighter in western Colorado.
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Co-Founder, Chris Lewis
SSgt Chris Lewis served in USAF Special Tactics from 2009 to 2018. He was an accomplished Combat Controller and JTAC (Joint Terminal Air Controller) with multiple deployments to Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Chris’s military achievements include the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. Additionally, Chris was awarded the George Van Cleave Award by the USO for superior leadership.
Chris now splits his time with TOMR and his family’s boat building business.
TOMR founders Chris and Tim at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in 2014
Why We Were Formed
Civilians may not be aware of the unique challenges that separating from military service and returning to civilian life can present. One of the greatest challenges is relating to people who do not know or understand what military personnel have lived through. Veterans separating from military service often feel an emotional void and a loss of hope as they are removed from their mission and teammates.
Consequently, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45. 125,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001. Veterans are also 57% more likely to die by suicide than civilians.
This is unsatisfactory. Our friends are taking their lives every day. To help combat these tragedies, we have formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit veterans rehabilitation and sustainment group, founded by Air Force Special Operators who share a love of dirt biking.
TOMR is Outdoor Therapy
Research has shown that outdoor activity enhances mental health.
Increases Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin produced by the sun. It’s a nutrient that helps prevent osteoporosis, aids in calcium absorption and helps build and maintain strong bones. By spending time outdoors just 15-20 minutes a few times per week, we can get the recommended dose of vitamin D we need.
Promotes Exercise
While you don’t need to be outside to stay active, spending more time in nature can help decrease sedentary habits and increase your movement. It’s a great way to enjoy many outdoor activities and meet your fitness goals.
Promotes Happiness
Physical activity on its own has been shown to induce relaxation and enhance feelings of well-being, and going outside can add to that with the presence of natural light, greenery and open spaces. Stepping outside after spending time indoors for work or school can help ease anxiety and enhance overall feelings of happiness.
How We Help
In 2019, we began guiding veterans on dirt bike adventures throughout the West. We’ve found that veterans are in need of physical and mental challenges similar to challenges they encountered as America’s warfighting forces.
In general, when a veteran separates from the military, the operational void is left wide open. We fill this void by providing purpose, adversity and friendship through dirt biking. The group outdoor recreational opportunities we provide rebuild camaraderie and promote healing for Veterans who struggle with the wounds of war and emotional stressors of transitioning to civilian life.
We plan, organize and execute dirt bike and off-road adventures for veterans. Our trips are roughly nine days long. We allow two days for Veterans travel, five days for riding and two days for the Veteran to travel home. Our mission is to bring together a community of veterans who desire to maintain the esprit de corp and camaraderie built during their military service. TOMR supplies experiences that promote both introspection and friendship. We aim to help the Veteran transition to civilian life with the understanding that they are never alone. On the trail or by the campfire, we engage in a unique form of self-reconstruction centered around life, family and military service.
All of this being accomplished in the vast and beautiful American west.
These things we do, that others may ride.
How You Can Help Our Mission
Historically, these trips were entirely self funded. As the number of participants has swelled, we identified a need to acquire funding through alternative sources. With outside funding, we’ll have the ability to provide this service to Veterans who need it most.