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who we are
At The Warrior’s Refuge, we believe every veteran deserves dignity, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild.
our mission and vision
Our Mission is contained in 3 Pillars:
1st, to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans.
2nd, to provide comprehensive services and counseling for mental health and substance abuse.
3rd, to provide employment training and education resources for successful reintegration into society.
The Warriors Refuge will collaborate with the VA and other Veteran service organizations and nonprofits to accomplish this mission.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to become the premier provider of resources for homeless veterans, veterans battling mental health and/or substance abuse, and veterans with employment barriers while expanding our reach to more locations in Texas.
Our Story
The Warrior’s Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans experiencing homelessness by providing transitional housing and supportive resources that promote stability, accountability, and long-term independence.
Founded in 2019, The Warrior’s Refuge began with a small number of veterans housed in a repurposed nursing home. Since then, the organization has grown significantly—now serving more than 50 veterans at any given time in a renovated facility designed to foster safety, structure, and community.
While our roots are in transitional housing, our mission has expanded to include counseling, employment support, and case management services that reach veterans both within our campus and beyond. Over the past five years, we have witnessed hundreds of veterans regain stability, rebuild their lives, and successfully transition out of homelessness.
Our progress would not be possible without the veterans we serve, the dedicated team who walks alongside them, and the community partners who support this mission. Together, we remain committed to addressing veteran homelessness with compassion, purpose, and resolve.
a word from our executive director
my story
My name is Robert Heckler, and I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of The Warrior’s Refuge. I joined the organization in 2021 as a volunteer chaplain and campus pastor, answering a personal call to serve veterans during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Later that year, I accepted a full-time role as a case manager, working directly with veterans as they navigated recovery, stability, and transition.
In April of 2023, I was appointed Executive Director. This role is deeply meaningful to me—not only professionally, but personally. I am a United States Army veteran, having served with the 1st Cavalry Division as an infantryman. Following my military service, I spent several years in law enforcement before joining The Warrior’s Refuge team.
My experiences have shaped my commitment to meeting veterans where they are, walking alongside them with respect, accountability, and compassion. It is an honor to serve those who have served our nation, and to be part of an organization dedicated to restoring dignity, purpose, and hope.
— Robert Heckler, M.S., MCM
Executive Director, The Warrior’s Refuge
meet our board of directors
Chairman CPT. Rick Miller, USN (Ret.)
Vice Chairman BG. Rich Mills, USA (Ret.)
Treasurer Patton Ritter, J.D.
Secretary Ariel Lara, US Army Veteran
Board Member COL. Robyn Ritchie, USA (Ret.)
Board Member Rebecca Robinson
Board Member Sonni Miller, LCDC
Board Member Ricky Richards, US Army Veteran
meet our team
RObert Howard, B.b.a - employment and education director
Patricia (pat) jahns, aas - kitchen director
Patricia (Pat) Jahns stepped into the role of Kitchen Director at The Warrior’s Refuge in March 2024, bringing a unique blend of passion, experience, and resilience to the position. A lifelong learner, Pat began her career by studying computer programming, mastering five programming languages. However, her most cherished role was as a devoted wife and mother to eight children, dedicating over 20 years to raising her family and managing a busy household. When life took an unexpected turn, Pat faced the challenge of re-entering the workforce.
While homeschooling her oldest daughter and transitioning her other children to public school, she returned to college and earned a degree in Process Technology. Despite these accomplishments, Pat felt a deeper calling and recognized that God had been guiding her journey all along. Pat’s heart has always been rooted in service, with a deep passion for helping others and a love for cooking.
Over the past two years at The Warrior’s Refuge, she has channeled these gifts into creating nourishing meals and fostering a sense of community through her work. Pat is honored to serve as Kitchen Director, knowing that every step of her life has prepared her for this role.
Christian Ariceaga, Lpc-a, lcdc - clinical director
Christiin Ariceaga, LPC-A, LCDC is the Director of the Clinical Department at The Warriors Refuge in West Columbia, Texas. With a deep passion for serving veterans, Christiin brings extensive experience in substance use treatment, mental health counseling, and trauma-informed care.
Committed to providing compassionate and effective care, Christiin looks forward to building upon the strong foundation set before her, continuing to enhance clinical services, and fostering a culture of growth, resilience, and collaboration. She is dedicated to expanding clinical resources, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that The Warriors Refuge remains a place of hope and transformation for those in need.
justin triner, a.s. - facilities and transportation director
Hello, my name is Justin Triner, I’m blessed with a passion for problem-solving and a knack for turning challenges into triumphs. With a background in TCEQ and a strong work ethic, I thrive on diving deep into issues and finding innovative solutions. I’ve always enjoyed troubleshooting; I always have to know the “whys”.
My determination knows no bounds, driving me to push past obstacles and achieve success where others see
roadblocks. Smart, positive, and always thinking outside the box, I believe that the glass is not just half full
but brimming with potential waiting to be unleashed. Growing up in a small town taught me the
value of hard work and community spirit, shaping me into the driven professional I am today.
I am thrilled to be part of something as great as the Refuge. My only hope is to bring my unique
skills and perspective to the table, contributing towards making a real difference in the world.
Sarah Williams - grant manager and compliance director
Reagan Madill - Community development director
Reagan joined The Warrior’s Refuge in July 2024 as a Clinical Case Manager, where she worked closely with veterans and witnessed firsthand the depth of healing, structure, and restoration made possible through The Warriors Refuge. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for the strong foundation The Warrior’s Refuge has established by being rooted in faith, compassion, accountability, and service to those who have served our nation.
In September 2025, Reagan officially stepped into the role of Community Development Director. In this position, she leads community outreach, fundraising initiatives, and special events, with a focus on strengthening partnerships and building intentionally upon the foundation already in place. Her goal is not simply growth, but God-guided growth, ensuring that every relationship, event, and opportunity reflects the mission and values of The Warrior’s Refuge and honors the veterans we serve.
Reagan is also a full-time college student, currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with a specialization in Human Resources. She is passionate about stewarding people and believes leadership is a calling rooted in service, integrity, and obedience to God. Her education equips her to help strengthen the organization for long-term sustainability and impact.
Beyond her role at The Warrior’s Refuge, Reagan co-leads a ministry called Embrace Grace, which provides a safe, loving, and supportive space for single and unwed pregnant mothers. Through this group, she helps women feel seen, supported, and encouraged as they navigate pregnancy, reminding them they are not alone and that their lives, and their babies’ lives have purpose and value.
Reagan’s heart for service is deeply personal. With family and friends who are veterans, she understands the sacrifices made by those who serve and feels a calling to ensure veterans and their families are never without hope or help. She is committed to connecting people to resources and being a light for those who feel lost or in need of guidance.
Outside of work, Reagan is a devoted wife and mother of two. Her husband is a high school agricultural welding teacher, and together they strive to live lives grounded in faith, service, and community. Reagan approaches her work prayerfully, seeking to glorify God in all she does and trusting Him to guide the path forward.
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