Wounded Veterans and Family Enjoy Dinner Cruise

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Feb. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Not many locations could beat the venue where injured service members and their significant others gathered for camaraderie, dinner, and entertainment. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) recently brought the group together for a Spirit of Carolina Dinner Cruise, to learn about free WWP programs and services, and connect with other Alumni in the area.

As the ship filled with 124 wounded veterans and their family members for the Alumni program event, attendees listened to briefs on WWP programs and services, which are available free of charge to injured service members, their caregivers, and family support members. They also received an introduction to a WWP community integration partner, Palmetto Warrior Connection, before enjoying the four-course dinner and live entertainment.

Many wounded service members face similar challenges adjusting to their injuries and civilian life. The WWP Alumni program brings wounded veterans together and creates support through shared experiences. By bonding through events like this, injured veterans learn they are not alone.

Joseph Wolfe III, Army veteran and WWP Alumnus, enjoyed the dinner cruise with his wife, Paulette. "We enjoy dinner cruises, and when you combine it with fellow veterans it's even better," he said. "We met a couple with whom we enjoyed talking, and exchanged information to stay in touch and support each other."

Army veteran and WWP Alumnus, Scott Horton said that due to their schedule, he appreciates WWP Alumni events that include spouses and family members. "My wife, Lanell, gets to talk with other spouses, and it's good for her to talk about the challenges that being married to a wounded vet entail," he said.

"The Spirit of Carolina was awesome, and it was a beautiful night with amazing sights. We have six kids, so going on a date is rather hard at times," Scott said. "I re-connected with fellow Alumni I had not seen for a while, and we made some new friends in the process."

"Connecting with WWP was the best decision I ever made. It's so good for your soul when you can talk about your experiences with other people who are experiencing the same thing," Scott continued. "Without WWP, I wouldn't nearly be as mentally strong as I am now. Each time I go to an event I can tell I am healing mentally. And for me, being mentally strong is the most important aspect of the recovery process."

Scott's wife, Lanell, attended a few WWP activities this past year. "I've had nothing but positive experiences at WWP events. I've learned so much and have met wonderful people. Also I've had a chance to spend quality time with my family and husband, which I might not have had otherwise," she said.

Army veteran and WWP Alumnus, Esaw Jenkins and his wife Yolanda, enjoyed quality time together in a nice atmosphere. "My experience with WWP has been excellent. Along with attending Alumni events, I've inquired about jobs and programs, and always receive a prompt response."

Currently, more than 100,000 wounded service members, their family members, and caregivers receive support each year through free WWP programs and services. Along with Engagement programs, WWP helps wounded veterans attain a meaningful career of their choice through the Warriors to Work^® program which matches their skills with employers, assists warriors with résumés, and prepares them for interviews. During January 2016 alone, WWP actively engaged 5,212 warriors in Economic Empowerment programs, which includes Warriors to Work.

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