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Ambassadors
Rocky Mountain Region
Rocky Mountain Region
Victoria Smith, Army Veteran (Wyoming).
Viki is a remarkable individual with a heart full of compassion and a strong spirit, She is a loving mother of three children, one of whom was a special needs daughter who left this world at 19 months, a testament to her unwavering love and strength. Viki's life is filled with humor and a deep appreciation for animals. Her passion for four-legged and feathered friends is evident through her diverse family of pets, including three dogs, a cat, an African gray parrot, and three lovebirds, all living under her caring watch. Viki's connection to those with unique challenges extends to her three mentally handicapped brothers, reflecting her immense capacity for empathy and support. Her service as a mechanic in the army showcases her hands-on skills and her love for fixing things, a trait that she continues to embrace with enthusiasm. A recent addition to her life is a rescued three-strike mustang she obtained after attending the Operation Remount Corporation program. This demonstrates her commitment to giving second chances. Viki's love for animals extends to a miniature pony, rounding out her loving menagerie. In addition to her love for animals, Viki's heart beats to the rhythm of music, bringing her joy and inspiration. Her ability to give "high fours" is a reflection of her infectious positivity, leaving a mark of happiness on those around her. Viki is a truly extraordinary individual, weaving love, laughter, and care into the tapestry of her life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she meets.
If you have questions for Viki you may email her at:
Rocky Mountain Region
Rocky Mountain Region
Chris Trudeau, Retired Law Enforcement (Wyoming).
I want to thank Kelly Alexander and family for all they have given me with my experience training my mustang Pardner. Kelly is very patient with a "do as you can" no rush training program. He always has a plan for the day and is very open minded for new ideas. This experience helped me to get on my feet and was the medicine I really needed. It gave me a chance to become one with my horse and we really got to know each other while gaining knowledge in the process. Working with other participants and learning from each other was so rewarding. I am thankful the opportunity and experience at ORC!
Rocky Mountain Region
Lewis Matteson, Navy veteran (Wyoming).
I learned many new things at the Operation Remount Corporation Mustangs for veterans program.. If you are quiet and listen to what the instructors say and pay attention to what they show you; then problems you run into will be small. The horse will let you know pretty quickly if you are doing something they don't like. My horse made me let go of things I didn't even know I was holding onto. The folks at ORC know what they are doing. I highly recommend signing up for this amazing program. If you are just thinking about applying contact Kelly Alexander at ORC and see if it is a fit for you. The advice I have is to listen when instructors tell you to do things with yourself and your horse. Don't just check the boxes and think you are done because something is bound to need extra work. It truly dose make you a better person if you are honest with yourself.
Southwest Region & Alaska, Hawaii Regions
Michael O’Connor (Retired Law Enforcement- Alaska)
Michael joins operation remount from Arizona as an Ambassador for the Southwest Region and the Alaska/ Hawaii Region. Michael worked as a law enforcement officer for the federal government as well as the Anchorage Police Department for a 20 year career. Michael experienced several on the job injuries ultimately leading to his medical retirement in 2022. As an avid horseman Michael has four horses including a young Mustang in Flagstaff Arizona. Michael found his heart horse in a Mustang who tragically fractured her leg and shoulder in a freak accident while playing and enjoying her space in the pasture with the other horses. Michael fell in love with Mustangs and everything they represent as well as their temperament and hardiness. Michael has found connection with horses through his recovery from PTSD and TBI’s and wants to share his passion with other first responders and veterans experiencing the same.
Michael can be reached at yetipup@gmail.com or 907-982-3741.
Midwest Region
Midweat
Southeast Region
Kori Wilson a USN veteran (Florida).
Kori has suffered from anxiety and depression for years but since attending the program at Mirrored K Legacy Ranch, she has found her passion and drive to better herself.
Kori applied to Operation Remount Corp. because she was at a point in her life where change was desperately needed. Every day was a “surviving but not living” concept. Kori joined the program with the thought: “if a mustang can acclimate itself to a new life and be happy, why couldn't she?” That revelation alone was the first step to move forward in the application process and an adventure to Wyoming.
According to Kori, coming to Wyoming from Florida was a wonderful break from the norm. Words cannot describe the peace and tranquility that you will find in those rolling hills and colorful sunsets. This 6-week program far exceeded Kori’s expectations. The process of bonding to a mustang, getting to know and meet new people, and helping out around the ranch did so much for Kori’s wellbeing.
Aside from the horses that you will meet there, they also have the most inquisitive and hilarious goats, donkys, and kissable Labradors at Mirrored K Legacy Ranch.
With the help from Kelly, Karen, and Kori's mustang Valkyrie, Kori has found purpose. Every day is a new adventure for Valkyrie and Kori. Each day they work on building their bond together and eventually- riding! Kori hopes to use this opportunity to work with Valkyrie into being a part of the local Search & Rescue team in Florida.
If you have questions for Kori you may email her at:
Southeast Region
Steve Roy, USMC (Tennessee).
I am a USMC veteran living in Tennessee. My passion for horses started when I met my wife 9 years ago but my passion for mustangs stems from the kinship I feel for something wild that needs to be tamed but never totally loses its true nature.
I applied to Operation Remount looking for a chance to work with these majestic creatures and find a sense of purpose. Never did I imagine I’d find that and so much more. During the six weeks at the Mirrored K Legacy Ranch I formed lifelong bonds, not only with my mustang Tinza but with the owners, trainers, and other participants of the program.
The program taught me patience, I only thought I was patient until I met Tinza. Tinza did not work at my pace I had to work at his and when I got frustrated he let me know that wasn’t going to work either. By listening and applying the knowledge that Kelly, Brian, and Lewis imparted I was able to step back when I needed to and push when the time was right. This program was amazing and myself and Tinza are better for it. If you are willing to listen and learn from the instructors this program will truly be an experience of a lifetime that I would highly recommend.
If you have any questions for Steve you may email him at:
sroybiker39@yahoo.comNortheast
REGIONS
