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
Many civilians are unaware of the unique mental health challenges veterans face when separating from military service and returning to civilian life. Veterans leaving active duty often feel an emotional void — removed from their mission, their teammates, and the only identity they’ve known.
Veteran suicide is a national crisis. 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 57% more likely to die by suicide than civilians.
This is unsatisfactory. Our friends are taking their lives every day. To help combat veteran suicide and support veteran mental health, we formed That Others May Ride — a 501©(3) veteran nonprofit and outdoor therapy organization, founded by Air Force Special Operators who share a love of dirt biking. Your donation to TOMR directly funds veteran rehabilitation and saves lives.
Research consistently shows that outdoor activity is one of the most effective tools for improving veteran mental health. Studies on veterans and outdoor therapy programs have found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety.
Reduces PTSD Symptoms
Veterans who participate in structured outdoor activities report meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms. The physical challenge, focus, and shared experience of navigating difficult terrain mirrors the demands of military service — giving veterans a healthy outlet for stress and hypervigilance.
Rebuilds Purpose and Identity
One of the hardest parts of transitioning to civilian life is losing the sense of mission and identity that comes with military service. Outdoor adventure therapy for veterans restores that sense of purpose by providing real challenges that demand teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
Restores Brotherhood
Veteran isolation is a silent crisis. Peer support is one of the most powerful protective factors against veteran suicide. TOMR creates the conditions for genuine human connection — the same brotherhood veterans had in uniform, rebuilt on the trail.
Since 2019, TOMR has been guiding veterans on dirt bike adventures and outdoor therapy expeditions throughout the American West. Research shows that outdoor activity is one of the most effective tools for improving veteran mental health, reducing PTSD symptoms, and rebuilding a sense of purpose after military service.
When a veteran separates from the military, the operational void is left wide open. Depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation can fill that space. TOMR fills it instead with purpose, adversity, and brotherhood on the trail. Our veteran rehabilitation program rebuilds camaraderie and promotes healing for veterans who struggle with the wounds of war and the emotional stress of transitioning to civilian life.
We plan, organize, and execute multi-day dirt bike and off-road adventures for veterans across the American West. Our trips are roughly nine days long. All of this being accomplished in the vast and beautiful outdoors — because nature heals, and so does brotherhood.
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.