Colorful Camaraderie: Wounded Warrior Project Hosts Paintball Outing

BELLE PAINE, Kan., Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The presence of heavy rain did nothing to stop the fun at a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) programmatic outreach gathering. Through some paintball rounds of friendly competition, wounded warriors experienced what is possible when exposed to social events that get them out of the house and engaged with their service brothers and sisters.

The group of injured veterans met at Graffiti Paintball, eager to brave the elements and try their hands at the seven obstacle-filled challenge courses. Putting expert military training to good use, the group navigated the fields, facing off against opponents with an arsenal of brightly colored pellets.

WWP staff closely interacted with warriors over the course of the afternoon, advising them of additional services and personalized therapeutic outlets to assist in recovery. Like WWP outreach gatherings, these program resources are available through the generosity of donors so activities can be offered to wounded warriors free of charge.

Paintball was a brand new experience for Octavius Young, who is currently processing out of the Army. The weather might have been foul, but he still found the experience exciting.

"I had a blast," Octavius said. "We ended up jumping into games with local folks who were playing on their own, and they were very welcoming to us. I attended this event because, having a new disability, I am working on finding my new 100 percent in how I adapt to doing things."

Whether it is paintball, fishing, or watching car races, these engaging program activities support the recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them to the bonds forged during military service. Encouraging warriors to recapture that military spirit with their peers decreases the potential for isolation. This helps them stay focused during their healing process.

"I participate in these activities to show myself there is more to life than just dwelling on my disability and my mental state," Octavius said. "If I do that, it will defeat me. Being at these WWP events gives me inspiration. I'm seeing people dealing with their issues, and the fact that they're there is what drives me to overcome my own. I get joy out of the inspiration they give me and that I hopefully give to them."

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP 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/20160817/399018  
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160817/399019

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project