Wounded Veterans Observe Reptiles in Natural Habitat

VERO BEACH, Fla., April 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Never get out of the boat. This famous tip servedwounded veterans and their families well as they zipped through the marsh, coming in close contact to an abundance of alligators perched on their mounds of dirt gazing at the visitors. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) brought the injured service members together for a thrilling airboat tour event.

Marine Corps veteran and WWP Alumnus, Bohanan Benton attended with his wife and said this was their first airboat experience. "I thought this event would be a great way to meet people, and it was something new to try."

By bonding through events and programs, wounded veterans learn they are not alone. The WWP Alumni program is one of 20 direct programs and services offered free of charge to wounded service members, their caregivers, and families. The Alumni program creates support through shared experiences and brings injured veterans together to build camaraderie.

"Our experience with WWP has been great, helpful, and creates a new sense of normal," commented Bohanan.

The group divided onto two chartered airboats from Florida Cracker Airboat Rides & Guide Service, Inc. in Vero Beach. Experienced captains guided them through the canals and marsh, periodically stopping to observe and explain the many different plants, birds, fish, turtles, and alligator species inhabiting the area. Alumni and guests were ecstatic about their journey as the airboat docked. All were amazed to see the variety of alligators, some up to 12 feet long, resting and swimming in the canals.

"It was a great way to bond with other wounded veterans and see nature," Bohanan said. "It really was an amazing experience."

WWP staff also took the time to share information on programs and services available to wounded veterans, caregivers, and their families, including the Warriors to Work^® program.

"We learned more about the programs and services offered by WWP, some will be helpful for me," Bohanan said.

Currently, more than 100,000 wounded service members, their caregivers, and family members receive support each year through 20 direct WWP programs and services – offered at no cost. Through a high-touch and interactive approach, the WWP vision is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

The Warriors to Work^® program offers injured veterans, their caregivers, and family support members access to a wide variety of professional development and career guidance opportunities covering topics like resume creation, interview preparation, business etiquette, and networking skills. During the month of February 2016 alone, WWP served 5,367 wounded veterans through Economic Empowerment programs, which include Warriors to Work. For more information, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160407/352901
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160407/352902

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project