Deb Raiff
Stoops Teammate Welcomes Marines for Day of Horse Riding, Bonding
Members of the military have always been close to Deb Raiff’s heart.
With two of her children having served in the armed forces, as well as working in an industry where many of her customers and colleagues have military experience, Raiff has a sense of empathy for those who stepped forward to serve their nation. So, when presented with the chance to welcome a group of veterans to her horse stable, the Stoops-Dayton truck sales representative embraced it.
In August, Raiff, and her husband Brian, a former Stoops teammate, welcomed the opportunity to host a group of 55 Marine veterans, from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines – Golf Company, to their Willow Creek Stables in Lebanon, Ohio. The veterans were joined by family members, bringing the total number of visitors to 123.
“It was kind of a no-brainer,” said Deb, of the opportunity to host the Marines. “My husband and I are kind of an extend-the-hand people.”
The visit to Willow Creek Stables was a stop as part of a four-day gathering of Golf Company Marines, which was supported by the Warrior Reunion Foundation. The veterans journeyed to Ohio for what was the first time many of them had seen each other in years after returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Raiffs learned of the opportunity to host the group after viewing a Facebook post seeking a place that the Marines could be around horses.
Working in collaboration with those who board their horses at Willow Creek, as well as others who donated the use of their animals for the day, the visitors were able to enjoy a day of riding, playing horseshoes and cornhole, listening to a pair of bands, and enjoying meals donated by local establishments.
“Everyone just had a really great time,” Deb said of watching the Marines reengage in their relationships with one another.
She noted the Marines were initially reluctant to ride but were drawn in after seeing their spouses and children interact with the animals. Eventually, a total of 14 trail rides took place on the Willow Creek property that day.
Deb noted the camaraderie not only between the veterans, but also between their family members.
“Not only did the guys come together, their children acted like they knew each other their entire lives,” she said. “The same with the wives.”
The Raiffs plan to welcome more veterans’ groups to their property in the future, “especially now that we know what to expect,” Deb said.
In the meantime, Willow Creek has welcomed a couple of local members of the reunion group back again to visit. Deb said horses make great companions.
We tell them anytime they want to come out, you can tell these guys (horses) a secret and they will never tell a soul,” she said.
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