Wounded Veterans Bond with Professional Baseball Players

GOODYEAR, Ariz., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A day at the ballpark became a chance to make memories for wounded veterans and their families. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) took the group to meet the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark during Spring Training recently.

WWP brought the injured service members and their families together to provide a fun bonding experience. More than 100,000 wounded veterans, caregivers, and family members receive access to WWP programs and services, all of which are provided free of charge. The WWP Alumni program is based on the importance of bringing wounded veterans together to see they are not alone in their transition to civilian life. Through shared experiences, injured service members build new support structures.

"I enjoyed talking with all of the other wounded veterans," Army veteran and WWP Alumnus Roger Lange said. "It was nice talking to someone dealing with the same issues as me."

Roger also enjoyed meeting the athletes and coaches from the Indians.

"The players we met were very personable and friendly," Roger said. "The highlight of the event was meeting Indians' manager Terry Francona. When he introduced himself, I pointed out the Red Sox miss him. He thought that was quite funny."

Roger is from Southington, Connecticut, and remains an ardent Red Sox supporter. Francona won two World Series titles while managing Boston. But changes for Francona and Roger led to the pair crossing paths in Arizona, at an event for the Cleveland Indians.

"This was my first Wounded Warrior Project event, and I am looking forward to attending more," Roger said.

"I discovered WWP has my health and welfare at heart. They have provided equine therapy to help with my PTSD, and assistance with Neuro Community Care, a life-skills coach. WWP has also paid for the hardware to make my cabinets in my kitchen and garage more accessible."

Roger is registered with the WWP Independence Program, a program designed to help veterans with moderate-to-severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions. These wounded veterans rely on their families and caregivers, and also face challenges accessing resources and activities in their community. The Independence Program works with the wounded veteran and his full support team to create an individualized plan focused on goals that provide a future with purpose at no cost to the veteran or their family. The Independence Program will be serving 1,150 warriors by 2018.

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/independence-program  

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355397 
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355396 

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project