A Weekend Escape for Wounded Warriors

WALKER, Minn., June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Biking, fishing, boating, horseback riding — Hiawatha Beach Resort offers it all. It also offers the healing power of a getaway for some Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Alumni, their caregivers, and families.

"Sometimes you go to events and feel rushed from one activity to another. This wasn't like that. We could sign up for what interested us or just do nothing, which is rare for my family," says Melissa Goldstein, whose husband is a U.S. Army service member. "My oldest daughter said it was one of the best weekends she's ever had. She got to spend time with other children who understand what it's like to have a dad go away and return with war injuries."

Melissa's girls especially enjoyed the horseback riding — the same for Chad Hindal's children. "They loved the horses," says Chad, a WWP Alumnus, who also suffers from chronic anxiety. "Usually, I get so stressed out when planning a family trip, but all we had to do was show up. WWP took care of everything else."

Chad certainly needed the fresh air and relaxing weekend; along with having a 3- and a 5-year-old, his wife was eight months pregnant at the time, and they were in between houses. "A little chaotic to say the least," says Chad, "but this trip was perfect. Plus, it's nice to be in an environment where you don't feel out of place. You are with people who know what you've been through."

The living is easy Hiawatha Resort, which is located on the famed Leech Lake. "Absolutely great." That's how U.S. Army veteran Ekundayo Falade described the weekend getaway. "My girlfriend and I got to see some familiar faces and make some new friends."

Ekundayo says they enjoyed the horseback riding and the legendary fishing. Leech Lake is a favorite of anglers for walleye, northern pike, bass, muskie, and panfish.

In addition to the fabulous family experiences, Ekundayo says he is grateful to WWP for many other reasons. "WWP helped improve my resume, got me a laptop, and even helped me out when I was short on rent."

To learn more about how the passion of generous donors is bringing warriors together and providing services to warriors as they transition to the civilian workforce, 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 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160617/380752
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160617/380753

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project