Wounded Warrior Project Families Connect During Day at Arcade

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., April 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whirling sounds and flashing lights of electronic games along with the uncontrolled laughter of children of all ages served as a perfect backdrop for Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) families to connect during a recent afternoon at an arcade.

More than 100 veterans and their families learned about WWP programs and services, including warrior-to-warrior support, before embarking on an afternoon of playing games.

National Guard veteran Shad Newton realizes the importance of reducing isolation by relying on one another's learned experiences when managing day-to-day experiences.

"Gatherings like this give us a chance to see just how many of us are out there and get information on programs that empower us to connect with one another," Shad said. "I had a great time getting to know fellow veterans and exchanging contact information with them so we can keep in touch."

WWP program events address the growing mental health needs of warriors who are returning from war with invisible wounds. Through the generous support of donors, WWP offers veterans a range of specialized programs and services – all tailored to each veteran's specific needs – free of charge. WWP and its supporters believe warriors already paid their dues on the battlefield, so warriors don't pay for any service they receive.

After spending time forming new friendships, everyone spent hours playing video games and arcade classics like Skee Ball.

Army National Guard veteran Georgina Grubbs was excited to join other warriors – and to let her children have fun.

"I let my kids play," she said. "It was loud and very busy, but I was comfortable because everyone was enjoying themselves. I had fun just being with other wounded warriors."

The afternoon at the arcade was one of WWP's gatherings that educates warriors, their families, and caregivers about additional programs and services to help in the recovery process, creates support through shared experiences, and builds camaraderie by connecting injured veterans to one another and their community.

To learn and see 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