Raising Awareness for Veterans and Wild Mustangs

In this special episode of Talking Solutions hosted by Slone Terranella, we dive deep into the critical crisis of veteran suicide and the plight of wild mustangs, with two extraordinary individuals working tirelessly to make a difference.

Guests: Bill, Founder/CEO/Board Chairman of Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation (WSP Foundation), and Jeffrey Pappas, Founder of Ponies North Inc.

During Veterans Month, the focus of the conversation was on raising awareness about the national crisis of veteran suicide. Bill, who has a deeply personal connection to this cause, shared his story of survival and resilience. He explained how his experiences as a veteran motivated him to start the Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to provide support and resources for veterans facing mental health struggles and to actively combat the alarming rates of suicide within the military community.

Jeffrey Pappas, the founder of Ponies North Inc., joined Bill to talk about his unique approach to helping veterans cope with their trauma. Pappas trains veterans alongside wild mustangs, creating a powerful bond between the two. The therapeutic process of training mustangs not only aids veterans in healing emotionally but also draws attention to the thousands of wild mustangs living in precarious conditions on federal lands. This unique approach to therapy offers veterans the opportunity to work with these majestic animals in a way that builds confidence, trust, and emotional resilience.

Together, Bill and Jeffrey are tackling two significant issues: the mental health crisis among veterans and the ongoing struggle of wild mustangs, a subject that has largely flown under the radar. Their combined work seeks to bridge the gap between human suffering and the treatment of wild animals, fostering healing in both communities.

The Road Ahead

The conversation also addressed future initiatives from the Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation and Ponies North Inc., including more outreach, training, and efforts to save wild mustangs from a troubled future. They are advocating for greater government intervention and support for both veterans and mustangs, emphasizing that both groups need our attention now more than ever.

Bill’s work, alongside Jeffrey’s, shows how innovative and compassionate solutions can create lasting change for those in need. It’s not just about saving veterans; it’s about saving lives—human and animal alike.

To learn more about these organizations and how you can help, visit the Warriors Suicide Prevention Foundation and Ponies North Inc. websites. Together, we can raise awareness, offer support, and take steps to end the cycle of veteran suicide and wild mustang displacement.