NFL to Honor Veterans Served by Wounded Warrior Project
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every year, the NFL celebrates and recognizes members of the military as part of the league's year-round Salute to Service campaign, in honor of Veterans Day. Contributions to the campaign support injured veterans served by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), which connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and a variety of free programs and services that empower them to live life on their own terms.
This year the NFL will provide financial support to one of WWP's mental health programs, Project Odyssey®. Through challenging outdoor activities, warriors discover inner strength and find the courage to continue their journeys toward recovery. These multi-day restorative mental health workshops provide safe, private environments for warriors to express themselves and share their combat experiences as they work to manage combat stress and improve their mental attitudes and outlook.
"On Veterans Day, the nation reflected on how our warriors have served and sacrificed for us," said WWP Chief Executive Officer Mike Linnington. "For years, the NFL has supported and honored our military, and we are so grateful for their continued generosity toward wounded veterans. Whether it's mental health support, physical or rehabilitation training the NFL's help ensures we can continue to offer these services to our warriors, family members, and caregivers, free of charge."
Throughout November, teams participating in the NFL Salute to Service games will designate one home game to honor the military, featuring: Players wearing helmet decals honoring military branches including Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard, and NFL Salute to Service ribbon decals;
- Salute to Service ribbon footballs;
- Salute to Service Nike, Adidas®, and Under Armour® gloves;
- Camouflage goal post wraps and pylons with camouflage ribbon decals;
- Wall banners and the words "NFL Salute to Service" written in the back of the end zones;
- Camouflage items for players including quarterback towels, captain patches, Gatorade towels, New Era® caps and knits, and Nike apparel;
- New Era camouflage hats for coaches and sideline personnel;
- Camouflage metal lapel pins for coaches and team executives;
- Salute to Service coins for the coin toss.
Since 2011, nearly $10 million has been raised through Salute to Service to support the NFL's military appreciation nonprofit partners: WWP, USO, and Pat Tillman Foundation. In honor of the men and women who serve our country, the league will donate $1,000 to the partners for every point scored during the 32 Salute to Service games. The NFL contributes 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of Salute to Service merchandise to these partners.
Learn more about how WWP is using the NFL's generous support to serve this generation of wounded veterans.
About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project