0:00 Meet Micah Fink: A brief introduction to Micah Fink and the show.
0:15 Early Life & 9/11 Impact: Discussing Micah's background and the impact of 9/11.
1:45 Military Journey: Insights into Micah's time in the SEAL teams and as a CIA paramilitary contractor.
2:07 Transition to Civilian: Challenges faced when transitioning back to civilian life.
5:14 Heroes and Horses Origin: The founding story of Heroes and Horses.
7:14 Inside the 41-Day Program: Overview of the comprehensive 41-day program.
12:01 Healing with Horses: Exploring the role of wild horses in the healing process.
14:07 Future of Heroes and Horses: Micah’s vision for the program’s future.
17:03 Get Involved: Information on how to participate and contribute.
Introduction
In a candid interview on American Dreams, Micah Fink, the founder and CEO of Heroes and Horses, delved into his life’s journey, from a small-town upbringing to an extraordinary military career, and eventually to the creation of a transformative program for veterans. Alan Olsen guided the discussion, unearthing insights about Fink’s motivations, experiences, and his commitment to changing the narrative around veteran care.
A Life Transformed
Raised in upstate New York, Micah Fink led a seemingly ordinary life, working as a telephone lineman and playing drums in a ska band. However, the tragic events of 9/11, which he witnessed firsthand while on duty in Queens, served as a catalyst for change. Compelled to serve his country, Fink enlisted in the military, embarking on a journey that included 13 combat deployments as a member of the SEAL teams and a CIA paramilitary contractor.
The Struggle Back to Civility
Fink’s return to civilian life, however, was anything but smooth. Describing it as an extreme change of pressure, he highlighted the dire state of veteran care, pointing to staggering statistics of veteran suicides and joblessness. He criticized existing solutions, condemning them for creating dependency rather than fostering resilience. His dissatisfaction with conventional care led him to seek his own path to healing, ultimately inspiring the creation of Heroes and Horses.
Heroes and Horses: A Unique Approach to Healing
Dissatisfied with the perpetual cycle of dependency fostered by traditional veteran care, Fink established Heroes and Horses to empower veterans to reclaim their lives. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, resilience, and the transformative power of struggle. Heroes and Horses, initially a 10-day program, evolved into a comprehensive 41-day experience after a student’s tragic death. The program challenges veterans physically and mentally, immersing them in an environment devoid of modern conveniences and compelling them to confront their innermost selves.
The Role of Horses in Healing
Central to the Heroes and Horses experience is the interaction with wild horses. Fink elucidated on the unique nature of horses as prey animals, explaining how their intuitive responses to human emotions facilitate a process of self-discovery and trust-building. This interaction, termed horsemanship, becomes a pivotal aspect of the healing journey, reflecting participants’ true natures back to them and fostering a profound connection.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Fink envisions Heroes and Horses as a catalyst for change, not just for veterans, but for society at large. He introduced the Thought Revolution, a movement promoting the idea that thoughts shape our reality, and expressed his ambition to network globally and generate transformative change. His goal is to align existing organizations with his philosophy, creating a ripple effect of positive change starting from individual hearts to communities and beyond.
Getting Involved
Fink encouraged involvement with Heroes and Horses, highlighting the various ways people can contribute, from volunteering and mentoring to financial support. He underscored the transformative impact of the program on volunteers as well, extending an invitation to join the Thought Revolution and contribute to a collective, positive change.
Conclusion
Micah Fink’s journey from a telephone lineman in upstate New York to the founder of a transformative veteran program is nothing short of inspiring. His commitment to changing the narrative around veteran care, fostering resilience, and promoting self-mastery stands as a testament to the power of personal transformation and the positive impact one person can have on the lives of many. Heroes and Horses, under Fink’s guidance, continues to be a beacon of hope and change, empowering veterans to reclaim their lives and inspiring a broader movement towards self-discovery, resilience, and positive change.
For more information on Heroes and Horses visit: heroesandhorses.org