Wounded Warrior Project Veterans Go Wild for Conservancy Awareness

NAPLES, Fla., Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project ^® (WWP) veterans recently took a hands-on approach to preventing threats against wildlife in South Florida. Touching and seeing up-close snake skins and replicas of some of the area's most deadly reptiles set the tone for the boat ride. Veterans ventured on a water tour to see where these animals live. Coming together through experiences like these helps connect warriors, their families, and caregivers to one another and their communities; it is a critical step in the healing process.

"I enjoy Wounded Warrior Project activities because I can meet other veterans and their families and hear their stories," said wounded U.S. Army veteran Ricardo Gutierrez de Pineres. "My family, especially my daughter and I, had a great time."

WWP gatherings take place in settings that accommodate physical injuries and social anxieties to help reduce isolation. Isolation is one of the most significant struggles wounded warriors deal with after serving their country.

"I was able to enjoy the same view and the calm that the conservancy offers the animals," Ricardo said. "It was extremely peaceful."

Ricardo also noted seeing the beauty of the Everglades only added to the veteran connection. Connection events like this support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Rarely duplicated in the civilian world, these veteran-to-veteran relationships act as a secure bedrock that paves the road to recovery. For veterans like Ricardo, these activities bring healing that lasts beyond enjoying a single outing.

"I go to Wounded Warrior Project gatherings to get out of the house. Spending time with other veterans makes me feel like I'm with my brothers again."

WWP programs and services assist injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, connecting warriors with one another and their communities, and long-term care for the most seriously wounded. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in connection activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org, and click on multimedia.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project