America’s gun owners and the industry that serves us can make the difference that “red flag” laws won’t.
Walk the Talk America (WTTA) is a charitable group that’s working to bring the gun industry and mental-health professionals together to prevent suicide and improve mental health–and today, we’ve learned that another major industry leader has pledged its support. Armscor International, the parent company of Rock Island Armory, has partnered with Walk the Talk America with an ongoing monthly donation.
WTTA’s message is simple but crucial: “Gun owners, firearm sellers, and mental health professionals must band together to protect the rights of all citizens and reduce the number of deaths by suicide. Walk The Talk America believes that by raising awareness and sharing accurate information, we can reach suffering individuals and let them know that they can seek help without consequence in most states. We can pave the way for those in need to gain access to treatment. We can save lives. We can shield their friends, families, and loved ones from the overwhelming sense of grief, confusion, and emptiness that suicide causes.”
This approach is necessary because many firearms owners who are experiencing mental health symptoms are worried that seeking help will cause them to lose their guns and right to armed self-defense. Walk The Talk America wants to help knock down that barrier…which will absolutely save more lives than any “red flag” law.
“Preventing suicide within the firearm community is something everyone should be able to get behind and I am excited to see what we can do in the coming months and years,” says Mike Sodini, founder of WTTA. “We have slowly and incrementally been gaining support from across the gun community and to have this ongoing contribution really means a lot.”
Armscor’s story is a uniquely American one, in that (like many Americans) it was born overseas but got here as soon as it could. Originally founded in 1905 in the Philippines, entered the United States market in 1985 and operates a manufacturing plant in Pahrump, NV, just 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. These days they produce approximately 110 million rounds of ammunition annually…and they support Walk The Talk America.
Sodini expressed further gratitude and optimism, “We have come a long way in the two years we’ve been around and doing what we have with very limited funding,” he said. “My sincere belief is that other big industry manufacturers and dealers will see Armscor’s commitment and want to help too.”
Walk the Talk America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and can be contacted at walkthetalkamerica.org.
Jj says
Quite the contrary to red flag laws this group is actually focusing on the individual and their health.Nowhere does this group state their intent to disarm an individual seeking help. Skepticism and caution are always a knee jerk reaction based upon previous experience, I sure would like to have a support system in lieu of a gun grabbing over reach.
Ben Willard says
Uh oh. Another slippery slope. OK, I agree that someone who has mental issues, depending what they are, should not possess a firearm for safety reasons. However, who determines whether someone has “issues” or not? Whenever man is in charge of making decisions (just look at the “F”ed up corrupt court system!) innocent people ALWAYS get hurt. I see it as another entrance ramp for liberals to hijack our 2nd amendment. There really is no FAIR and ACCURATE way to determine dangerous mental illness without infringing on our rights. Sounds like the precipice of another “red flag” law.
Drew says
Ben,
Was struck with the same thoughts. Particularly with the imbedded offer for the mental health check via the WEB. No such thing as anonymity.
Matt says
Wrong website link. Lol! But Breast cancer awareness is a good cause as well. Just doesn’t have anything to do with firearms.
Mo Rockwell says
Dear Sir,
We’re certainly not going to tell you your business, and we understand your trepidation in today’s climate. However, we would like to assure you that we here at Freedom’s Lodge have known Mr. Sodini for many years, consider him a personal friend, and trust that he and his organization are sincere.
Michal Sodini says
Please check out the website and our social media to learn more about what we do. WTTA works on solutions that do not involve legislation and absolutely fights against red flag laws. This organization was started by firearm industry veterans and we are making a massive change in how the opposition view us. We need second amendment supporters to look into our programs….not just give an opinion on it without understanding it. That’s what the anti-gun crowd does to us. We don’t need to do it to ourselves. Please let me know if you have any questions.