The "Readers Digest" Version
It all began behind a gun counter
After separating from active duty, I found that life wasn't like the life I had left, like part of me was missing. I found out the hard way that I was not the only one feeling this way. I would spend more time with vets or EMS, longing for some normalcy. Talks like these got my brain turning. After many hours of what if's and a world of possibilities behind a gun counter the idea of Paniolo Trails was born. A place where Veterans and First responders can be us, get back in the proper head space, and eventually invite others in for a shared experience.
Paniolo:
[ pah-nee-oh-loh ] Hawaiian.
"A person who herds cattle; cowboy."
(Tactically acquired from GOOGLE)
Get to Know Us
Being "doc" always meant making sure that everyone was ready. Mom, Chaplin, Doc all rolled into one. I never stopped to check in on me until after I separated. I never wanted to talk about what I did because no one would understand, and most didn't. The ones who did, had been there.
One night when driving the ambulance back to base after a traumatic motorcycle accident, two paramedics and I got to talking when I realized that first responders and Veterans walk the same line. We all see things that we don't talk about and bury it down deep until we have a mental break. It is always because "people don't understand", our goal is to fix that.
I started going to a Veteran horse training program where for the first time in a long time I felt at peace and alive again. I took these feelings and experiences with the hope of bringing them to Vets and First Responders in a brand-new way.
Then it hit me, "the suck" is what brought us together, and that feeling could be brought back to build the brotherhood we need for the world after.
So here we are, a small family run business, starting out on this adventure. knowing where we want to go, who we want to help and enjoying the ride as we go. I want to thank you for supporting us and being part of this journey.
Mission
Our Mission is for Veterans and first responders to know that people do give a shit about them. The job is hard enough as is, but losing our own and feeling like outcasts is unacceptable.
Mission Roll Call 2024 stats say we lose 40+ veterans daily due to Suicide. As for first responders, First H.E.L.P stats say 150-256 commit suicide yearly. Our goal, like many others, is to see those number hit Zero.
Vision
Imagine sitting in a pasture, bison, horse sounds and pure nature all around, maybe an elk bugle in the distance. A place where you can learn new skills and overcome your nightmares all while providing a place to clear your head. That is what we see when we picture Paniolo Trails.
The end goal is to have civilians and our community come together giving you another brother to be there when you are battling your demons.