OUR MISSION
The Sheepdog Coalition exists to support the healing and reintegration of combat veterans by addressing the full spectrum of their well-being—body, mind, and spirit.
Through our three core pillars—Wellness, Advocacy, and Recreation (W.A.R.)—we provide access to functional health evaluations and support, expert assistance with VA and CRSC claims, and purpose-driven outdoor experiences that restore camaraderie, confidence, and connection.
Whether they’re navigating invisible wounds or bureaucratic barriers, our veterans are never alone. From bison hunts and beach surf retreats to lab work and benefit advocacy, our mission is built on the understanding that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—and the next mission starts right here.
We stand in the gap, so no warrior has to fight their post-combat battles alone.
Long Live The Brotherhood!
meet the team
Michael Tyrrel
PRESIDENT/Founder
Mike Tyrrel is a retired Marine and Navy combat veteran with over 20 years of service, including time with 1st ANGLICO, Force Recon, SOCOM Detachment 1, and MARSOC. After retiring, he and his wife Merri launched a training company employing over 100 special operations veterans. But like many, Mike faced his own battles after service—physical strain, invisible wounds, and a frustrating struggle navigating the VA system. Through functional medicine, expert advocacy, and time in nature with fellow warriors, he began a journey of true healing. Inspired by that transformation, Mike founded The Sheepdog Coalition to ensure other combat veterans have access to the same support—through Wellness, Advocacy, and Recreation (W.A.R.). Today, his mission is to stand in the gap so no warrior has to face it alone.
Glen cederholm
Vice President
Glen Cederholm enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1995 and retired in November 2015 after 20 years of distinguished service. During his career, he served with 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Special Operations Training Group, MARSOC Detachment One, 1st Special Missions Training Branch, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company.
After retirement, Glen felt a strong calling to support veterans struggling with addiction and PTSD. He now volunteers in the Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center, working directly with those in the Substance Use and PTSD track. Glen also serves as Vice President of S.U.A.S. Veterans Crisis “Quick Response Force”, a nonprofit that supports active-duty service members, separated and retired veterans, addicts, and individuals in need by providing smoked meats, home-cooked meals, and a welcoming community during some of life’s toughest moments.
Ted Handler
Chief OPERATIONS Officer
Ted Handler retired from 20 years of active duty service from the United States Marine Corps in 2018, having spent time in the infantry, reconnaissance, and MARSOC communities before finishing the last five years of his military career with NSWDG. After retirement, Ted began a new career with STIHL Inc. as a Senior Manager and is responsible for modernizing systems, processes, and mindset to “future-proof” the organization. Ted sits on several other boards, but his love of the outdoors, small unit camaraderie, and combat experience make his affiliation with the Sheepdog Coalition a labor of love for which he is both proud and happy to participate.
Semper Fidelis, Spiritus Invictus and LLTB
Shane O’Neal
Executive Board Secretary
Shane O'Neal is currently serving in the United States Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During his 17 years of service he has completed 5 deployments and served onboard Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron FOUR, Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR, U.S. TENTH Fleet, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Maritime Expeditionary Security Group TWO, and USS Bougainville (LHA 8). Shane serves as the Executive Board Secretary and Technical Advisor for the Sheepdog Coalition.
Gary Aicher
Executive Board Treasurer
Gary Aicher is a US Army veteran who served during the Vietnam Era. His service included being stationed at Fort Jackson South Carolina, Redstone Arsenal Alabama, Hanau Germany and Bitburg Germany. Post service his industrial experience included Chief Executive Officer for Blackland Aerospace, President and General Manager for ITT Advanced Water Treatment, President and General Manager for ITT Night Vision, Lean SIx Sigma Champion for ITT Defense, General Manager for ITT Cannon Connectors in Nogales Mexico and North American Director of Product Assurance for ITT Cannon Connectors. Post industry, Gary has worked on a variety of complex consulting engagements managing multiple major corporate initiatives and running businesses through major transitions. He is currently the owner of Craft Burger Bar located in Virginia Beach.