Wounded Veterans Prepare for 10th Kodiak Fishing Trip
KODIAK, Alaska (July 29, 2015) – Nearly a dozen wounded veterans will travel to remote Kodiak, Alaska Friday, July 31 through Saturday, August 8 for an excursion that includes fishing, bear-watching, and hiking. The gathering will mark the tenth year Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has brought injured veterans together for camaraderie and healing in Kodiak. WWP believes connecting injured service members with each other helps veterans realize they are not alone. The trip is offered to injured service members through WWP’s Alumni program, one of 20 programs provided to injured veterans – free of charge.
“Wounded veterans get constant time with each other on fishing boats, in nature, eating meals -- it is a great opportunity to forge friendships, as well as grow their support structure for life,” said Ryan Kules, WWP National Alumni Director. “The warriors have a great time on the water and have an opportunity to forget about the stresses they face in their everyday lives.” These excursions started ten years ago when Peter Malley, A Vietnam War veteran, decided he wanted to support WWP. “I wanted to be physically involved in some way to show our support,” Malley said. “Since I had a boat, I thought fishing would be a great way to thank our returning wounded, but would also be a way to challenge some of those severely wounded.”
Malley and other volunteers host and feed wounded veterans during the nine day excursion. They also guide participants on ocean and river fishing trips, ATV rides, and sightseeing.
“I believe that the challenges of fishing on the ocean, along with the friendships and bonds made by each wounded warrior while experiencing something new and different gives the warriors added confidence to face everyday challenges when they return home,” Malley said.
All fishing gear, bait, and tackle are provided during the trip. WWP also purchases fishing licenses for every warrior in attendance. Additionally, the veterans will be shipped processed and frozen fish from the trip, free of charge.
To learn about the WWP Alumni Program, or any of the programs and services provided by WWP, contact the Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or email resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org.
Contact: Rob Louis – Public Relations Specialist
Email: rlouis@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.627.0432
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.