While Fixin’ Fences was only recently founded in honor of my brother, the story of its founding took a lifetime to develop.

SSG Robert Bryan Allison endured an extremely difficult early life, experiencing physical and sexual trauma, institutionalization, and homelessness as a young teenager. A testament to his perseverance and as a devout patriot, Bryan joined the Army in 1993 and served multiple tours until 2005, including distinguished service with the 3rd Infantry “TOG” at Arlington National Cemetery. He was drawn early and always in life to help and care for others and during his years on active duty, he also worked at funeral homes. He sought and earned an AAS in Mortuary Science, was incredibly talented and respected within his profession, and managed multiple firms specializing in the preparation of deceased military members and funeral coordination. Bryan’s called his greatest honor serving at AFMAO Dover Port Mortuary, preparing the remains of those killed in action and being able to assist their families.

Bryan struggled with and fought depression, marital failures, self-medication, suicidal thoughts, and PTSD. In May 2021, Bryan fell extremely ill. Alone and with severe dehydration, he would spend five days without food or water. Having barely survived, the overcorrected hospital treatment resulted in brain damage, ataxia, dysarthria, loss of balance, and permanent confinement to a wheelchair.

Upon discharge and return to his home in West Virginia, Bryan realized through these experiences, God had brought him to his knees but spared his life and he used the remaining time to begin his journey back to Christ. While attempting to learn to walk again and through the love and support of the members of his church, Bryan immediately began to serve God in the most humble and available ways possible.

In November 2022, Bryan was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and given a few months to live. Enduring extreme pain and discomfort but undeterred, Bryan continued to minister to others with the message each day is truly a gift until his passing in October 2023.

While many aspects of Bryan’s life were extremely turbulent, he ultimately found incredible peace, a quieting of spirit, and redemption through his incredible connection with his horse and the grace, goodness, and forgiveness of the members of his church and Jesus Christ. Those closest to him will attest his transformation was wondrous to behold and despite enduring unimaginable pain and suffering, he continued to the end to inspire others to be better people, help those in need, and walk more closely with Christ.

Two months prior to his passing, Bryan and I were returning from his last visit with his horse when the idea of Fixin’ Fences was born. "In our Fixin’ Fences journey together, we honor Bryan, his incredible transformation, the military service and sacrifice of all our nation’s heroes, and will attempt to assist as many veterans as possible by offering services that will strive to connect them with horses, the word of God, and a peaceful environment in which healing from the invisible wounds of war and sacrifice may begin.

We cannot thank you enough for your love and interest in our program and God bless you for your support.

Sincerely,

The Fixin’ Fences Team