Lodestar donates an LNK9 to WTTA’s October fundraiser, bringing user-authorized firearm technology together with WTTA’s 2A-forward approach to mental health and suicide prevention
Lodestar Technology is proud to partner with Walk the Talk America (WTTA), supporting an organization whose approach to suicide prevention and responsible firearm ownership closely aligns with the purpose behind Lodestar's flagship LNK9.
As part of the collaboration, Lodestar has donated an LNK9 to WTTA's upcoming fundraiser with Pot of Gold Auctions, beginning October 13. Proceeds from the auction will support WTTA's continued mental health education, outreach and suicide prevention efforts.
"Mental health touches every family and every community, and there are moments when someone we love may be struggling in ways we don't immediately see," said Shawn Campbell, CEO of Lodestar Technology. "Those moments deserve compassion, awareness and thoughtful solutions. We engineered the LNK9 to give firearm owners another option for helping ensure their firearm can only be operated by an authorized user. WTTA's work brings that same care and responsibility to mental health—giving people the education, resources and support to look out for themselves and for one another. That shared commitment is what makes this partnership so meaningful to us."
Led by Chairman and CEO Michael Sodini, WTTA works to bridge a longstanding gap between the firearms and mental health communities. Its approach brings firearm owners, industry professionals and mental health professionals together to reduce stigma, encourage conversations about mental wellness and provide practical resources that can help prevent suicide.
"Firearm owners need to be part of any serious effort to prevent suicide and support mental health," said Michael Sodini, chairman and CEO of Walk the Talk America. "That means meeting people with respect, understanding the culture, and offering practical choices, not telling them what they have to believe. Lodestar is willing to have that kind of conversation, which is why this partnership is a natural fit."
Importantly, WTTA does that work with the firearms community, rather than around it. That distinction is central to Lodestar's support.
In a recent WTTA podcast, Campbell and Sodini discuss how both organizations recognize that responsible firearm ownership is not one-dimensional. It includes training and education. It includes mental health awareness and knowing what to do when someone may be in crisis. And it includes giving firearm owners practical tools to maintain greater control over access to their firearms.
The LNK9 represents Lodestar's contribution to that broader effort. Its optional user-authentication technology is designed to help prevent an unauthorized person from operating the firearm while preserving the performance, reliability and control expected by its authorized owner.
"Technology will never replace training, responsible storage, or knowing how to respond when someone may be in crisis," Sodini added. "But when an innovation gives firearm owners another voluntary way to control access while respecting privacy, reliability, and personal choice, it deserves thoughtful consideration. We appreciate Lodestar putting that idea into action by supporting WTTA's work."
"There is no single answer to preventing firearm-related suicide or unauthorized firearm use," Campbell continued. "Meaningful progress comes from giving people better tools, better information and better options. Mike and the WTTA team have created a place where our industry can talk about mental health without asking firearm owners to compromise who they are or what they believe. That is a mission we are proud to support."
Lodestar's donated LNK9 will be available through the Walk the Talk America Fundraiser Auction beginning October 13, 2026, hosted by Pot of Gold Auctions. Lodestar encourages members of the firearms community and industry to participate and support WTTA's continued work.
View the Walk the Talk America Fundraiser Auction:Pot of Gold Auctions — Walk the Talk America Fundraiser
About Walk the Talk America: Walk the Talk America (WTTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the firearms and mental health communities. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, WTTA works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage responsible firearm ownership, and help prevent firearm-related suicide. Visit WalkTheTalkAmerica.org to learn more.