VALOR RANCH

Valor Ranch is located on a beautiful 120-acre farm in King George, Virginia. It was purchased by Steve and Paige Rosado in 2016 with the intent of being the future home of the nonprofit and received 501(c)(3) status in 2018. Infrastructure improvements and repairs, which were personally funded by the Rosado’s, took precedent for the first four years, and in 2022, Valor Ranch was officially opened to guests on Veteran’s Day weekend.

Valor Ranch is a fully immersive weekend retreat experience unlike any other. The service member and/or their family can engage in activities at their own pace. This flexible approach allows them to CHOOSE what feels most healing for them. We blend nature’s tranquility, camaraderie, relaxation, excitement and curiosity with the therapeutic companionship of animals. Immersing themselves in farm life for a weekend fosters healing in a new way. This innovative approach not only aids in physical recovery but also nurtures mental and emotional well-being, creating a holistic approach to healing.

Wounded service members often become physically and mentally affected by long stays in a military hospital or ongoing care and treatment. Family members can also be negatively affected by the impact that a hospital stay or long-term care has on their loved one. Valor Ranch provides a much-needed break from their reality by offering a peaceful, supportive place for the service member to connect with their family or other service members. The beautiful nature-rich setting of Valor Ranch provides the perfect environment for them to unwind, relax and participate in activities designed to promote healing and strengthen bonds.

We routinely partner with military hospitals to identify service members who could benefit physically and/or mentally from a camping weekend at Valor Ranch. Military members are encouraged to bring their family to help facilitate reconnection in a setting outside of the hospital. We make every effort to understand their struggles so we can make all guests feel warm and welcome.

In 2025, we expect 100-120 service members and their families to attend four retreat weekends at Valor Ranch. During these weekends, service members will engage in activities such as woodworking, art projects, animal care, equine connections, hiking, fishing/kayaking, basketball, archery, axe throwing, cornhole, bonfires, live music, hayrides, geocaching, and treasure hunts —each designed to rebuild confidence, aid in physical rehabilitation, and foster deeper connections with family, fellow service members, and compassionate volunteers. The impact of these weekends is profound. Service members report increased confidence, improved mental well-being, and strengthened relationships.

The benefits we provide can have long term, positive effects on each service member and their family by helping to restore and improve the physical and/or mental condition of the injured veteran and by strengthening family connections. Past attendees have reported that the activities and connections formed with family members, animals, and volunteers during their visit to Valor Ranch helped them regain a sense of normalcy and hope for the future, develop coping strategies, find inner peace, and rediscover their own resilience. Guest testimonials attest to these transformative experiences.

In 2026, Valor Ranch intends to offer several day trips and extend our retreat weekends from 4 to 6. The day trips will be offered for veterans that are living in veteran homes and also to first responders. They will consist of a morning activity, lunch, and an afternoon activity. We are incredibly excited to extend our service offerings to include hundreds of additional guests per year.

While Valor Ranch primarily serves people, we also ensure the well-being of our resident animals—19 horses, 3 mini donkeys, 6 goats, 5 turkeys, a dog, several cats, and way too many chickens. These animals are integral to our programs and require ongoing veterinary care, specialized diets, and proper exercise. To help support the specific dietary needs of our animals, we maintain nutrient-rich pastures and hayfields on the property and provide hay year-round as part of their diet.

Valor Ranch is proud to say that we are 100% supported by volunteers that include active-duty military, veterans, military families, King George High School teens, homeschool & senior communities, Boy/Girl Scouts, 4-H members, many of the local nonprofit motorcycle clubs, as well as other community members who are willing to lend a hand. During retreats we also partner with two service dog organizations (Continuing the Mission (CTM) (games and books) and The Hero Academy (paw paintings)), Community Art Hub, BirdDog Archery (coaches), Heroes on the Water (kayaking), and local quilter guilds.

Valor Ranch is committed to not only supporting and honoring service members but also giving back to the local community. This year our community outreach efforts will include educational field trips for King George County’s elementary schools and the school on Dahlgren to help the students understand what Valor Ranch does and who we support and honor. We will also be hosting our annual 10K ruck / 10K run / 5K run / 1M fun run/walk, two flag retirement ceremonies honoring service members, and bringing together veterans and community members.

Valor Ranch has grown into more than just a retreat—it has become a thriving ecosystem of healing, connection, and community. The ripple effect of its impact reaches far beyond the veterans it serves. Volunteers of all ages, local organizations, and partnering nonprofits come together to form a deeply rooted network of support, compassion, and purpose. Whether it's a child learning empathy through animal care, a veteran mentoring another through shared experience, or a community member lending a hand during a retreat weekend, everyone who steps onto the ranch becomes part of the Valor Ranch family. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of belonging and shared mission that is both rare and powerful. With your support, we can continue to nurture this living, breathing community—one that honors service, promotes healing, and uplifts every soul it touches.