Wounded Warrior Project on Target Connecting Veterans at Trap Shoot

HAYS, Kan., May 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even when Sean Kelly missed his target during a recent trap-shooting event, he remained on point while connecting with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) veterans.

The group competed for gold, silver, and bronze coins while shooting at clay pigeons, but Sean said the real prize was getting out of the house and connecting with fellow service members.

"My aim has changed since 2007 for sure, but that truly wasn't what the event was about," the Army veteran said. "It was about the brotherhood and sisterhood we developed with each other. I will always remember the new friends I made there. It was an amazing experience."

Activities like trap-shooting and socializing with other veterans can help injured warriors cope with stress and emotional concerns. 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 mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps.

Army veteran Daniel Benally had never been trap-shooting before. With direction from the Fort Hays State trap team and the camaraderie of fellow warriors, Daniel was comfortable enough to finish second and win the silver coin.

"I had a little anxiety at first, but I felt more at ease being around other warriors," he said.

Army veterans Christian Curtright and Richard Lavergne won gold and bronze coins, respectively. Each participant took aim at more than 100 clay pigeons.

Thanks to generous donors, WWP programs and services are offered free of charge to warriors, their caregivers, and families, and they assist with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, connecting warriors with one another and their communities, and long-term care for the most seriously wounded.

The trap shoot was Sean's second WWP function. The programs are so beneficial that his wife plans to join future gatherings.

"We are both grateful for what Wounded Warrior Project has done for us," he said.

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