Connection Changes Everything: New Wounded Warrior Project and Comcast Partnership Brings Warriors Together
For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world. The camaraderie, structure, and shared purpose that defined their military service are suddenly gone.
That sense of isolation is all too common – 79% of warriors surveyed by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) report feeling isolated, and 68% say they experience loneliness, a number that has increased over the past three years. But connection can be a lifeline, and through a new partnership with Comcast, WWP is making it easier for warriors to build those bonds.
Comcast is sponsoring WWP’s first-ever warrior portal and app, MyWWP, designed to help warriors find local events, self-refer to programs, and connect with peers. The portal is already making an impact, with over 42,000 registered users and 11,000 self-referrals into programs so far. Importantly, over 70% of users have set their profiles to public, demonstrating a strong desire for engagement and community.
“Connection is a fundamental human need. It’s essential for maintaining emotional and physical health,” said Wilton Williamson, vice president of Connection at WWP. “Strong social bonds reduce stress, combat feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. Thanks to Comcast’s support, we can reach more warriors through technology, ensuring they have access to life-changing connections and communities.”
One Warrior’s Journey from Isolation to Belonging
Michael Matthews knows firsthand the value of connection. He joined the U.S. Army infantry in 1999, drawn to the sense of adventure and service.
“There were a lot of fun times, especially being overseas,” he recalled. “You get to travel and see the world in a different light.”
| Watch Michael's story |
But after 9/11, during his third deployment, Michael found himself in daily combat in Iraq. One mission in Mosul changed everything – a blast left him with severe burns, a broken jaw, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Returning home, Michael struggled in ways he didn’t fully recognize, but his wife saw the changes. He had withdrawn, speaking only to family, battling mood swings and anger. She urged him to get help, but it was a chance encounter with a fellow veteran at a gas station that finally convinced him to attend a WWP event. That single step put him on a path toward healing.
Through WWP programs like Soldier Ride® and Project Odyssey®, Michael found renewed purpose and connection. “Seeing individuals who had lost limbs or who had been told they’d never be able to do this again – watching them break through and say, 'I can still do the things I love' – that inspired me,” he said.
Connection Saves Lives
Now, Michael is the one inspiring others. He mentors fellow warriors, leads peer support group events in his community, and shares his story so other veterans know they aren’t alone.
“A lot of warriors feel like they’re the only one going through something. But when we share our stories, they realize others are facing the same challenges,” he said.
Michael uses the MyWWP portal to find local events and connect with other veterans in his area – making it easier to keep his support network strong.
After you leave the military, people don’t always understand what you’ve been through. Reconnecting with other veterans helps because they do understand. You learn to lean on each other again.
“Before, I had to make a couple phone calls and ask around. Now, I can quickly find other warriors nearby to meet up, hang out, and just get to know them,” he said.
Those relationships matter. “You go to war, and you're all in the same battles, the same struggles — you depend on each other to get through it,” Michael said. “After you leave the military, people don’t always understand what you’ve been through. Reconnecting with other veterans helps because they do understand. You learn to lean on each other again.”
As the nation’s leading veterans service organization, WWP has helped veterans like Michael connect for over two decades because it makes a difference. More than half (67%) of WWP warriors say that talking to another veteran helps them cope with stress or mental health concerns.
Support from Comcast makes it possible for WWP to connect wounded veterans across the country and build supportive communities.
"A good connection changes everything,” said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military & Veteran Affairs at Comcast. “We’re proud to support Wounded Warrior Project in empowering veterans to lead their own healing journeys while staying connected to the camaraderie of the military community that’s unlike any other.”
WWP and Comcast are ensuring that no warrior has to walk this journey alone. Because when veterans rebuild relationships, they rebuild their lives.
Learn more about how WWP keeps warriors connected.
Contact: Gracie Scribner, Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
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