Wounded Veterans and Families Spot More than 150 Dolphins

KAPOLEI, Hawaii, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Injured veterans and their families crossed paths with more than 150 dolphins recently while out on the waters of Kapolei, Hawaii. The dolphin excursion gave the wounded service members and their families an opportunity to bond with other families who have shared experiences.

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) works to create opportunities for camaraderie that help injured veterans in their healing process. Spending time with other combat veterans helps injured service members realize that they are not alone. It is one of the reasons why WWP offers 20 free programs and services for wounded veterans: to help get them out of their homes and engaged with other injured service members.

Wounded veterans and their families boarded a catamaran and spent several hours on the water. They spotted dozens of dolphins in one group, and other dolphins during their voyage. They also had the opportunity for some aquatic fun and interaction with those dolphins.

"I really enjoyed watching my kids snorkeling and jumping off the catamaran," Ionatana Ala, WWP Alumnus and Army veteran, said.

"Some highlights included seeing humpback whales breach and slap their fins on the water," said Rami Villagomez, an Air Force veteran and WWP Alumnus. "It almost looked like they were waving at us."

"Seeing the whales and dolphins so close was great," Ionatana said.

"Being able to see such beautiful creatures within a few feet of you was so cool," Rami said. "My daughter celebrated her birthday that weekend, so WWP delivered a birthday wish for her."

Along with engagement opportunities, WWP programs help put wounded veterans in meaningful careers of their choice. Warriors to Work^® matches skills with employers, helps injured service members with their résumés, and prepares them for interviews. Warriors to Work placed more than 2,500 wounded veterans, their families, and their caregivers in gainful employment in fiscal year 2015.

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.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project