Looking Back While Planning for Tomorrow
Wounded Warrior Project Looks at 9.11 and Beyond
As the war progressed several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq started providing backpacks with comfort items to wounded service members. This was the genesis of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).
Over the last 10 years, WWP has developed 19 programs and services and provided them to assist injured service members with their visible and invisible injuries at no cost to the warrior. WWP currently has more than 35,000 warriors and 4,100 family members who are registered and have access to WWP’s “high-touch” and personalized services.
While a number of veterans’ service organizations assist post 9.11 veterans with the challenges of today, WWP offers programs to help members with both their immediate and long-term needs. The programs and services range from mental health, economic needs, physical health and wellness and engagement with other warriors. The programs help injured service members work through more immediate challenges and establish a foundation for a lifetime of success.
WWP has also launched services and pilot programs that address some of the toughest issues surrounding long-term care of the most severely injured. The Independence Program works with local rehabilitative service providers to assist profoundly injured warriors in regaining the ability to perform the types of daily tasks that most people take for granted. The Long Term Support Program is in a pilot phase and was crafted to ensure that the most severely injured warriors will have access to quality care after their family member/care giver is no longer able to provide care.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). There are a number of ways people can get involved in helping WWP continue to empower and support wounded veterans on their journey to physical and emotional healing. Visit the 10-year anniversary website at www.wwp10.org to share photos, videos, or stories about serving this generation of wounded service members and families. The public can also view the “Ten for Ten” video series on the site, and is also encouraged to advocate through involvement in social media and with friends, co-workers, community, and family members.
About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s 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.