Huntington Beach, CA, November 17, 2025 – D3O, the global leader in impact protection technologies, and its ballistic arm Delta Three Oscar, are proud to share news of their partnership with The Dirt Therapy Project on an event to support U.S. veterans this Veterans Day. The collaboration aims to help service members transition back into civilian life by harnessing the mental and physical benefits of mountain biking.
Founded by Jonathan Hagerman, a former U.S. Marine Corps utility engineer who served in on Active Duty from 2009–2013, The Dirt Therapy Project (TDTP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans’ mental health by getting them outdoors, building connections, and rediscovering a sense of belonging. The group operates under the Veterans Future Foundation and has become a lifeline for many former service members facing post-deployment challenges.
“We’ve heard countless veterans say that mountain biking has saved their lives,” said Jonathan Hagerman, Founder of The Dirt Therapy Project. “It’s more than a sport, it’s a way to reconnect, to talk, to push through fear and stress, and to find purpose again. Having partners like D3O and Delta Three Oscar supporting this mission shows these veterans that people truly care about their homecoming and their well-being.”
This year’s Veterans Day Ride, held at Lake Leatherwood in Northwest Arkansas, brought together veterans from across the region for a day of riding, community, and conversation. D3O and Delta Three Oscar supported the event by providing bike shuttles for attendees, and by teaming up with their partners Troy Lee Designs and ODI Grips, who gifted D3O protective gear and anti-vibration bike grips to participating veterans.
D3O’s involvement reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to support the homecoming. Delta Three Oscar, provides military and law enforcement professionals with advanced personal protective equipment including ballistic-grade foams, light-weight ballistic HALO™ helmet pad systems, and flexible impact resistant limb protectors engineered to help protect military and law enforcement in the most extreme conditions.
“Partnering with The Dirt Therapy Project on this event has been a real privilege,” said Stuart Sawyer, CEO of D3O. “At Delta Three Oscar, our mission is to protect and support those who serve, and this partnership extends that commitment to support their homecoming. Seeing how mountain biking helps veterans reconnect, regain confidence, and find a sense of belonging is truly inspiring.”
Veterans interviewed during the event spoke candidly about how mountain biking has helped them manage post-deployment stress, overcome depression, and rediscover joy and confidence. Many described it as a “pressure release valve” a way to channel adrenaline, find focus, and share experiences with others who understand the challenges of military life.