Wounded Warrior Project Families Connect at Billy Bob's Wonderland
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va., March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Because no one is ever too old for Skee-Ball, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) veterans and family members recently spent a day bonding at Billy Bob's Wonderland. Children and adults played games and made friends, allowing veterans to see what is possible when they participate in activities that connect them with fellow service members in their communities.
Participants started the afternoon with a pizza lunch. Afterward, families tested their skills at mini-golf, laser tag, and more. Marine and Army veteran James Dunlap decided this family-oriented gathering would be a good choice for his first WWP event.
"I was nervous about going, but I knew it would be nice going to something my children could be part of," he said. "I appreciated the chance to connect with other veterans in my area. It's encouraging to know there are people like me around."
One of the warriors James connected with was Army veteran Harold Chipps. The two men knew each other as neighbors – they live across the street from each other – but were unaware of their mutual connection to WWP.
"Meeting others who have been through the same combat issues is a powerful thing," Harold said. "We can always use extra support, and you never know who you might be able to help."
These connection activities support the recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them to the bonds experienced during military service. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their issues.
During the gathering, WWP staff interacted with attendees and advised them of additional services to help in their recovery processes. WWP offers a variety of programs and services that assist injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in outreach activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.
To learn more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project