Warm Weather and Water Welcome Injured Warriors

ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M., July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When you have perfect weather, a sunny day, and a large body of water, there's only one thing to do – enjoy it. Thanks to a program event hosted by Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) and Adaptive Adventures of New Mexico, a group of wounded veterans, their caregivers, and family members were able to do just that.

"This was the first program gathering I've been to like this, and it was absolutely amazing," said wounded Army veteran Lindsey Kibler. "Everyone had an excellent time – we couldn't have gotten a nicer day, so how could you not enjoy it?"

With the water being the "ideal temperature" that day, and the wind at just the right speed, there was something for all skill levels at the Elephant Butte Watersports Clinic. Warriors and their families enjoyed kayaking and paddleboarding around the shores, cruising on sailboats, and higher-speed thrills behind the ski boats.

Attendees like Raphael Alarcon, an injured Coast Guard veteran that is served by WWP, were beyond grateful for the opportunity to get away with each other and fellow warriors. Throughout the day, WWP provided warriors and their families with food and a place for the younger water sports enthusiasts to take a nap and recharge their batteries.

"It was good seeing some of the warriors who brought their families and children with them," said Raphael. "The kids, just like us, sometimes need a break from regular daily life, and a chance to make new friends. Overall, it was just good to be around other service members again. It's hard to find thae sense of unity and camaraderie I had in the Coast Guard in my day-to-day life. But program activities like this let me relive and rebuild it."

One of the major struggles many wounded veterans face upon their return to civilian life is isolation. That's why, for over a decade, the program activities hosted by WWP have taken recovering warriors out of their isolation and helped them get re-engaged in their communities. Warriors can not only learn more about the free programs and services available to them through Wounded Warrior Project, but also connect with their fellow service members, who understand each other's experiences, leading to life-changing bonds and support systems. 

To learn more about how WWP is helping warriors successfully transition back to civilian life, please visit: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs.  

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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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160718/390669 

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project