DEWALT Supports Wounded Warrior Project Veterans through NASCAR Race
WWP events like these, supported by partners like DEWALT, give warriors the chance to connect with other warriors, their family members, and their communities.
CONCORD, N.C. (June 13, 2017) – NASCAR gets the blood pumping for Robert Gers, an Army veteran served by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). The sights, sounds, and smells are part and parcel of a beloved sport – and a pastime that gives Robert and his wife, Crystal, something to bond over.
“Watching the races gives me and my wife a chance to re-connect,” Robert said. “We both enjoy watching together; throwing popcorn and peanuts at the TV, or each other; or heckling one of our least favorite drivers.”
Recently, they experienced the rumble of the engines and cheers of the crowd in person. DEWALT® hosted an event in partnership with WWP, allowing Robert and Crystal to attend the All-Star Race and meet the DEWALT Racing team, including driver Matt Kenseth.
“DEWALT really blew us away,” Robert said. “We got to see the behind-the-scenes of NASCAR. We got a full tour of the pit area and the hauler that takes the car from track to track. We got to spend time with the pit crews, learn about the work they do, and watch the race from the number 20 pit box. It was amazing.”
“Being welcomed and included by the DEWALT Racing team and their sponsors made us feel like there is more support out there for our family and other veterans,” Crystal said. “We also received a standing ovation during the drivers’ meeting. It was such an amazing thank you to my warrior husband and the other veterans with us. Knowing that their sacrifices are appreciated was a very humbling experience.”
WWP events like these, supported by partners like DEWALT, give warriors the chance to connect with other warriors, their family members, and their communities. Getting engaged in fun activities in comfortable environments can improve the wellbeing of warriors and their ability to enjoy camaraderie with other wounded veterans.
“The biggest thing Wounded Warrior Project has done to help me is connecting me and my wife with other veteran couples,” Robert said. “It’s given me incredible opportunities: my daughter and I learning how to surf together, going shooting with my son, going to this race with my wife. Wounded Warrior Project has helped me relax enough to go out to eat with my family again, something I thought would not ever happen.”
It’s a sentiment his wife shares.
“Wounded Warrior Project has taught me and Robert to live again,” Crystal said. “Prior to the friends he made, the counseling he received, and events we attended, we had absolutely no social life. We were very isolated in a world we did not understand and were scared of. The news made post-traumatic stress disorder and other related issues sound criminal and dangerous. I was scared of the unknown. Making connections with other warriors and their families and attending those Wounded Warrior Project events removed all isolation – and that sense of fear.”
When the race was over, DEWALT presented Robert, Crystal, and the other attending warriors and staff with a $50,000 check for WWP.
“It was an honor being a part of the receiving party for that check in Wounded Warrior Project’s name,” Robert said. “I have no doubt that other warriors like me will benefit from DEWALT’s generosity. I sincerely hope others are able to find what I found, through the experiences I’ve had with Wounded Warrior Project.”
To learn and see more about how WWP’s programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/, and click on multimedia.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations
Email: mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.451.5590
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.