Tanner Wilde joined the U.S. Army through its delayed-entry program when he was just in high school, viewing it as an opportunity to see more of the world and to be part of something bigger than himself.
“Largely, what it came down to was, ever since I was young, I always found a lot of satisfaction in being able to serve others and see their satisfaction from services provided,” Wilde said.
Wilde was deployed to Afghanistan at age 20, originally with the Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment. He trained as a paratrooper and eventually became a special operations civil affairs team sergeant and medical sergeant.
When Wilde ended his military service in 2021 after having served in Afghanistan, Syria and Bangladesh, his next steps were figuring out a purpose outside the military. At the same time, he also was experiencing depression. He had attended various rehabs following traumatic brain injuries and that, combined with physical and mental stress, impacted his mental health.
“I was searching for what my purpose was because the military is all I ever knew,” said Wilde, who lives in Mounds View. “I didn’t … feel there was any joy, hope, you know, just nothing.”
Things came to a head in 2023 and Wilde said he was starting to go down a path toward suicide.
“And thankfully, through my wife and through many of the other veteran-centric organizations that pressed into me, I was able to finally accept help,” Wilde said. “And because of that persistence, I am where I am today, still alive, family better than it has ever been, being able to re-experience joy, having a re-instilled purpose in what service is.”
Veteran outreach
For Wilde, that service has been his work doing veteran outreach, both with Veterans Affairs and as a volunteer with multiple veteran service organizations. Organizations that Wilde volunteers with include Nodens Outdoors, which provides a bowhunting therapy program to veterans, and Believet Canine Service Partners, which provides service animals to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.
“It may not be what I was doing in the military, but being able to currently have a role in helping veterans and even those that are transitioning out of the military find hope where hope doesn’t seem present is beyond rewarding,” he said.
U.S. Army veteran Tanner Wilde sits next to his service dog, a four year old mix breed named Taz. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
This Veterans Day, Wilde and his service dog, Taz, volunteered with Believet Canine Service Partners, where he does much of his volunteer work, raising awareness around invisible wounds and the benefits of service animals.
“They’re trying to continue to provide service animals for veterans, but they do cost thousands of dollars and that’s something, the only way to help expand the availability is to go speak about them and the benefits that they do to help veterans,” said Wilde, who credits Taz with being part of his healing journey.
‘Somebody that will listen’
It’s OK to not be OK, Wilde said, and the first step in getting help is to start talking about it. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has people available to talk, he said, including for veterans.
“And as hard as it is, there will be somebody that will listen. And I wish there was more hours in the day for me to be able to help as many as I can,” he said. “And more capacity just because I see how much it helped me regain, benefit in being able to experience joy, of being with my kids and my wife and enjoy doing activities more.”
A new furnace
Meanwhile, for Veterans Day — and just in time for colder weather — Wilde was the recipient of a new furnace at his Mounds View home. The Snelling Co. and local Bryant distributor Auer Steel provided him with the new, high-efficiency unit.
The Snelling Co. wanted to show gratitude for Wilde’s service to the community.
U..S. Army Veteran Tanner Wilde was photographed next to the new furnace he was provided by The Snelling Company. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
“He served our country, fought his own battles, and now fights for others. This is just one way we can give back and thank him for his service,” said Phil Krinkie, president of the Snelling Co., in a statement.
With his time in the military, Wilde said he’s moved 14 times, making the furnace donation a big deal.
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“This is a home we don’t want to have to pick up again. We’re in a wonderful community. Coming from the military, we’re very community-centric,” Wilde said.
For help
If you need immediate emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org to connect with a trained specialist.
For veterans and others looking for more information, including resources on ways to support veterans, how to talk to veterans in crisis, or to find local mental health resources, go to mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention.
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