Sherman President Honored with Inaugural War Horse Award: A Symbolic Call to Battle for the Soul of Chiropractic
Originally published: 2025-05-14
Kennesaw, GA — During Sherman College of Chiropractic’s 2025 Lyceum event, a powerful moment of symbolism and inspiration unfolded as Jack Bourla, DC, ACP, President of Sherman College, was presented with the inaugural War Horse Award by the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation. This new honor, created to recognize unwavering leadership in the defense and advancement of principled chiropractic, draws its name and spirit from a challenge issued by chiropractic philosopher Dr. Fred Barge, who once asked:
“Where are the new War Horses?” — Fred Barge, DC, PhC
A Moment of Symbolism at Lyceum
In a moving ceremony that blended cultural heritage with chiropractic purpose, Dr. Bourla was presented with two hand-crafted weapons—the Native American War Club and the Upper Missouri Weeping Heart Tomahawk—each encased in glass and set with a plaque bearing Barge’s iconic words and Dr. Bourla’s name. These ancient weapons, rich with symbolic meaning, serve as metaphors for the courage, strength, and spiritual resolve needed to lead Sherman College through an era marked by challenges to vertebral subluxation-centered chiropractic.
“The War Horse Award is both warning and blessing—a visible call to principled resistance and transformative leadership.”
Inspired by Barge’s Challenge: “Where Are the New War Horses?”
The spirit behind the award reflects a deeper philosophical call to action. It asks not simply who has led, but who is prepared to continue the fight for chiropractic’s unique identity and mission.
“This award is not given for what Jack Bourla has done,” said Matthew McCoy, DC, MPH, Vice President of the Foundation.
“It is given in anticipation of what he must do.”
Weapons of Culture, Symbols of Responsibility
Each weapon embodies traits essential to both tribal warfare and principled chiropractic leadership. The war club, carved for close combat, symbolizes hands-on commitment and the weight of responsibility. The Weeping Heart Tomahawk—with its heart-shaped void—is both tool and pipe, blending diplomacy with defense, and reflecting the dual roles Sherman’s President must play: warrior and peacemaker, strategist and healer.
“The heart cutout, symbolizing the soul removed for battle, evokes the sacrifices necessary in leadership.”
Parallels to the Trail of Tears
The presentation speech, delivered by Dr. McCoy, drew on his personal exposure to the history of Native American resistance and survival during the Trail of Tears. The parallels, he noted, are striking and sobering.
“Just as Indigenous tribes fought for the survival of their culture, land, and spiritual identity,” McCoy said,
“the subluxation-centered faction of the chiropractic profession fights to preserve its roots, its purpose, and its unique understanding of human health and potential.”
A Charge, Not a Reward
This award is not retrospective. It is a mandate for future action—an exhortation to lead boldly, to protect the integrity of Sherman College’s mission, and to ensure that chiropractic remains rooted in its original principles.
“Sherman College’s mission remains a stand for authenticity, identity, and the unshakable foundation of vertebral subluxation-centered care.”
Legacy, Leadership, and the Warrior Ethos
Rooted in the tribal values of resilience, adaptation, and spiritual purpose, the War Horse Award now stands as a visible and enduring symbol of Sherman College’s mission and the chiropractic movement’s ongoing fight for authenticity. The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation plans to continue presenting this award to individuals who embody the warrior ethos in defense of vertebral subluxation-centered care.
