Meet Our Founders
Mr Billy Jack Barrett
A legend in the cowboy and horse community and a US Army veteran from the Vietnam era, Mr. Barrett – the last horse buyer for Fort Carson’s 4/12 Cavalry program and over 40 years as the manager of the US Air Force Academy Equestrian Center – noted the healing effect that horses had on combat-wounded veterans. Through his work in the horse industry, Mr. Barrett worked with Audie Murphy (the most decorated US soldier of WWII); General AP Clarke (WWII prisoner of war and former Superintendent of the US Air Force Academy); General Macke Steinhoff (Germany’s leading fighter pilot ace in WWII); and countless other veterans of the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
After decades of service to our country and to Remount Foundation, Billy Jack Barrett retired from Remount Foundation June 1, 2024. Read more about his retirement from Remount in the RF Telegraph.
Mrs Jeanne Springer
Mrs. Jeanne Springer is a military spouse who served on the US Air Force Academy Equestrian Center staff for 20 years. Mrs. Springer holds a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and trained as a Stephen’s Minister and Leader. Mrs. Springer incorporated elements from the OK Corral Series, Horse Boy Method, and HeartMath® to create the Remount Foundation’s unique, life-saving approach to equine-assisted learning for trauma survivors. Jeanne has more than two decades of experience in equine-assisted therapeutic practice, helping others find the path to hope and healing. The Remount Foundation alumni view Jeanne as an angel on earth with a heart of pure gold and compassion.
Board of Directors
Phil Austin
President
Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Phil Austin brings a wealth of military, educational, and organizational planning & leadership to the Remount Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Austin’s journey as a USAF pilot began in July 1983 with his pilot training at Vance AFB, OK. His love for flying and inherent teaching and analytical skills launched a career path that quickly advanced him through various leadership and instructor roles in aviation training in Kansas, Hawaii, and Colorado at Peterson AFB, Ft. Carson, and the USAF Academy (USAFA). Beyond the cockpit, Mr. Austin was an analyst and training developer for Department of Defense components, including NORAD and USSPACECOM.
A 1983 USAFA graduate, Mr. Austin earned an M.A. in Business Management in 1994 from Webster University. During his duty assignment to the 34th Education Group, USAFA, Mr. Austin published and consulted for various articles and conferences on topics ranging from room theory usage by instructors engaging with students to pilot and crew issues facing the military’s burgeoning employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Today, Mr. Austin continues to consult for several non-profits. He has returned to his love of flight as a First Officer for a regional airline. A life-long learner, he has become a student in the game of golf.
Following some impactful life events, Mr. Austin encountered turbulent skies. A friend introduced him to Remount Foundation. Through the RF Method’s Equine Assisted Philosophy and HeartMath® modules, he found the help he needed. So much so that Mr. Austin volunteers in the Remount Program to help others find their vectors to smoother air.
Terrance D. Beasley
Treasurer
- Chief of Medical Plans and Readiness – Armed Forces Center – Aurora, CO
- Executive Medical Protocol Officer – Salt Lake City, UT
- Medical Hospital Administrator – Fort Sheridan, IL
- Chief of Medical Facilities and Training Programs – Germany
Terrance started his service to others journey by earning a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Enlisted with the Louisiana Army National Gaurd in 1993, Terrance received his Commission in the Medical Service Corps in 1998. He spent 23 of his 27 years of service as a certified instructor to military personnel and government civilians on topics such as Active Shooter Training, Ethics, Operational Security, and Information Assurance/Cyber Awareness. His additional key duty positions included Sexual Harassment Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and a Family Readiness Event Coordinator. Terrance also served as the Area Program Coordinator for the Government Travel Card Program and Defense Travel Program Approving Official for the Largest Medical Division in the U.S. Army.
Terrance resides in Monument, CO with his wife Laurie and five children. Terrance’s family proudly refers to themselves as the Beasley Bunch, a fun-loving household that has served as home for nine foster children in various states. The Beasley Bunch enjoys family vacations and volunteering in the community. Terrance has a strong connection with horses and participates in Buffalo Soldier reenactment events to support community awareness and education.
Scott Sweedler
General Member
Scott Sweedler served our country for 36 years as a combat medic, infantry officer, military intelligence officer, and DoD civilian. In 1997, he traded his Army fatigues for civilian clothes to work in the telecom industry. However, after 9/11, he was mobilized to the Defense Intelligence Agency and assigned to NORAD-USNORTHCOM. Following his mobilization activation, Mr. Sweedler continued serving, during which he did four combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
During his time in the U.S. Army, Mr. Sweedler was selected for the Army’s “Green to Gold” commissioning program. He attended the University of Iowa, earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Also, while in Iowa, Mr. Sweedler met his wife, Julie. They’ve been married for over 30 years.
Mr. Sweedler is a 100% disabled veteran who struggles daily with the effects of traumatic brain injury. He experiences atypical seizures and residual neurological effects from his injuries. In 2020, the Sweedlers moved to Colorado Springs to retire. They soon discovered Remount Foundation and the RF Method. The RF Method is Remount’s personalized healing program anchored by Equine Assisted Philosophy. These specialized therapeutic sessions utilize horses to empower program participants to start their healing journey toward a renewed life in peace. The therapeutic sessions with the horses were crucial to Mr. Sweedler’s healing, with an observable decrease in his neurological symptoms. The Remount Foundation and its suicidal prevention program, the RF Method, have drawn both of the Sweedlers from participants to now volunteers, helping fellow U.S. service members and their families on their healing journeys towards peace.
Tahn Towns
General Member
Although Tahn had a passion for animal care, she decided not to pursue veterinary medicine, becoming a carpenter’s apprentice – perhaps influenced by her time repairing barns and fences in Alberta. Over the years, she expanded her equine experiences and knowledge, obtaining certifications as an English and Western discipline riding coach, participating in animal communication workshops, and learning barefoot trimming. In addition to her carpentry and equine pursuits, Tahn owned and operated a holistic clinic and massage business for ten years and was a regional distributor of equine probiotics. However, her path took an unexpected turn when her father suffered a severe stroke in 2019. Tahn relocated to her parents’ acreage to provide care until his passing.
Currently residing in Olds, Alberta, with her mother, two horses, two cats, several transient deer, and a mischievous fox neighbor, Tahn continues to embrace her love for horses. In 2023, she embarked on a four-year Equine Osteopathy program through the Vluggen Institute. She also participated in an OK Corral Series Red Workshop, a memorable and life-changing event.
Tahn’s continued connection to Colorado through visits with extended family strengthened when she crossed paths with Remount Foundation.
Drawn by the foundation’s vital mission of serving active duty military, veterans of all eras, and our community’s first responders affected by service-related PTSD and other life trauma, Tahn eagerly accepted the invitation to join the board. Her extensive experience in holistic care and equine studies makes her a valuable addition to the team. Tahn is determined to contribute in any way she can, bringing her diverse skill set and passion for healing to help guide and support Remount’s mission.
The Dedicated Volunteers
The RF Posse
Mine That Bird Our Mascot
Read about the against-all-odds, out-of-nowhere, unbelievable story if it was documented, about our Mascot – Mine That Bird.
