David J Flounders, Sr CPT (ret) USAR
President of Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc (SSSVP)
Dave and his horse- Mustang Blaze are the inspiration for our LOGO at SSSVP and the song written by Austin Edwards- Wild Breeds!
David is a 31 + year Veteran of the United States Military- Navy and Army. He holds a Bachelors in Science in Liberal Arts. He was medically retired in 2014 after a year long struggle with medical and mental health issues to include Post Traumatic Stress and a survived suicide. In 2016, together he and Kathleen created SSSVP- a program designed to provide transitional support to Veterans and Military who struggled with transitioning to civilian life. He is presently 100% VA service connected disabled and in 2022 attended the DLR Mustang Ranch PTSD/Veteran Mustang program. He trained there for 13 weeks- July-October 2022 to learn about gentling wild mustangs and utilizing them at Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc with Veterans. In addition, Dave has attended the Masterson Method Equine Bodywork training- Weekend seminar and Advanced Training, and in June 2025 he attended an intensive program at the Justin Dunn American Mustang School.
Dave and Kathleen presently have 21 equines at Samson’s Strength-
Mustangs– Until Grace, Samson, Super Moose, Mustang Blaze, Dasani, Argentina, The Goddess Artemis, Pippi Longstocking, and most recently -AnnaBelle.
Belgian Draft rescues– Sir Maximus, Sir Orion, Lady Maxine, Gaia and Snow White
Donkeys– Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, Jenny, Olive Oyl, Shimmer and Shine
During the Spring of 2025 Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, Inc was chosen to be a part of an International campaign raising the awareness of the mental health benefits of horses for humans- Horses For Mental Health- Seen Through Horses. They received international recognition for their project and they were the second highest fundraiser for 2025 contributing to the over $1.36 million raised!
Dave is the driving force behind the building projects at SSSVP- to include project design, planning, management, volunteer coordination, grant management, construction- ground to roof- of 7 tiny homes- 6 for Veteran transitional living and one for a communal kitchen, 2 barn projects- arena barn and equine experience barn. Dave is actively involved in giving back to his community through his membership with the American Legion, and the countless Veterans he has “taken the call” – shared his experiences of transition and provided hope and connection to many.
