Veterans Empowered to Discover Creativity in Glassblowing Class

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Injured veterans and their guests learned the old-world art of glassblowing at a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) event. Warriors socialized and learned how to create one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments with the help of local glassblowers.

"Wounded Warrior Project gave me the opportunity to get out more, practice some of my therapy, and do things I may never have thought of doing on my own," said Air Force veteran Don Tucker. "This glassblowing class fits in that last category. I was able to take my wife and daughter, and we had a great time."

The main tool used for glassblowing is a four-foot long iron or steel blowpipe. The glassblower, called a gaffer, dips the blowpipe into a furnace to capture a glob of molten glass on one end and then manipulates the rod and glass at a workstation to produce a unique creation.

Activities like glassblowing 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 (51.6 percent) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues.

"Every week, I look forward to seeing what other programs Wounded Warrior Project can come up with to help me meet other veterans and try new things," Don said. "This event was stimulating, and the staff who helped me and my daughter were fantastic and very friendly."

WWP serves warriors by connecting them with one another and their communities and focusing on mental and physical health and wellness, financial wellness, independence, government relations, and community relations and partnerships. Programs and resources are free of charge to those WWP serves thanks to generous donors. Warriors are empowered to live life on their terms, mentor fellow veterans and service members, and embody the WWP logo by carrying one another along a path toward recovery.

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit our page.