From Trauma to Triumph: Dr. Pam Arnell on PTSD Recovery, Veteran Suicide Prevention & Healing Heroes
Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero shares how trauma can heal, why peer support saves lives, and what every veteran, first responder, and family needs to know about PTSD, resilience, and hope.
What happens when unimaginable loss becomes a lifelong mission to save others?
In this powerful episode of The MisFitNation Podcast, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Dr. Pam Arnell, Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, psychologist, educator, suicide prevention advocate, and one of the nation's leading voices for veteran and first responder mental health.
After losing her husband, Desert Storm veteran Sgt. Benjamin Arnell, Dr. Arnell transformed personal grief into a mission that has helped thousands of veterans, first responders, military spouses, and Gold Star families recover from trauma through innovative, evidence-based programs offered at no cost.
Together, they explore the realities of PTSD, the hidden struggles facing military families, the importance of peer support, and why asking for help is one of the greatest acts of courage.
This conversation also dives into:
• PTSD as an injury—not a life sentence
• Veteran suicide prevention and warning signs everyone should recognize
• Mental health challenges facing first responders
• Rural America's access to trauma care
• Healing without reliving traumatic memories
• Leadership through service and resilience
• Faith, family, and finding purpose after devastating loss
• How Twenty Two Zero is changing the future of trauma recovery nationwide
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, caregiver, family member, or someone passionate about mental health advocacy, this episode delivers practical insights, hope, and inspiration that could change lives.
One conversation can start a lifetime of healing.
About Our Guest
Dr. Pam Arnell serves as the Executive Director of Twenty Two Zero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free trauma recovery services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, military spouses, dependent children, and Gold Star families.
Her work spans psychology, education, emergency services, suicide prevention, legislative advocacy, and trauma research, helping reshape how communities approach healing and resilience.
Key Topics
• PTSD Recovery
• Veteran Mental Health
• Suicide Prevention
• Trauma Healing
• First Responder Wellness
• Military Families
• Peer Support Programs
• Leadership
• Faith and Resilience
• Twenty Two Zero
Connect with Twenty Two Zero
Website: 22zero.org
Follow The MisFitNation
New episodes feature military veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, leaders, authors, athletes, and changemakers sharing the lessons they've learned through adversity, service, leadership, and resilience.
Subscribe, follow, and share this episode to help us reach more people who need these conversations.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Executive Director 22 Zero
Dr. Arnell has an extensive history of working with children and their families which includes but is not limited to assessments, parenting, suicide prevention, suicide intervention, in addition to working with those who have trauma. Dr. Arnell has been a minority business owner of two businesses, having contracts with the State of Tennessee; until the State purchased a new billing system in 2012, resulting in not being reimbursed for services provided for two years. She is also an auxiliary member of the Giles County Fire Department as of 2020, and a volunteer fire department member since 2008. Dr. Arnell was an adjunct professor for Columbia State Community College, teaching in the Psychology and Education department, from 2004 - 2021. She is also a member of civic organizations in Giles County in addition to being an emeritus member of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. Dr. Arnell now serves on the Tennessee Governor’s Suicide Challenge Task Force for the Tri-Stars and Stripes, aimed at Armed Forces Members and their families, an initiative to end suicide in Tennessee. She completed the 22Zero training in 2021 and has been collaborating with clients related to those referred to by 22Zero for PTS and the daily operations manager for 22Zero, part-time, until November when Dr. Arnell became the Executive Director for 22Zero. 22ZERO provides free trauma protocols to veterans, first responders, their spouse and minor children living in the home, and Gold Star Families Nationwide.
Dr. Arnell is the widow of a Desert Storm combat veteran, Benjamin Jerome Arn… Read More
