Memorial Yoga Event Honors Fallen Marine and Supports Wounded Warrior Project
Brian first connected with WWP in 2015 through a golf outing for veterans, where he benefited from the mentorship of other warriors around him.
SEVEN HILLS, Ohio (June 19, 2017) – At the end of his career in the United States Marine Corps, Brian Brannigan had achieved the rank of captain. He served in Afghanistan for one tour in 2012 as a combat engineer and wanted to help his brothers and sisters in arms continue their education. He graduated from the University of San Diego with a master’s degree in global leadership.
“He achieved it one week before he lost his battle at home,” his mother, Diane, said. “He was humble and honorable, and Brian spoke highly of his fellow Marines.”
His mother remembers him as dynamic, adventurous, and intelligent, despite his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Brian used the tools around him to get help – both through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). He first connected with WWP in 2015 through a golf outing for veterans, where he benefited from the mentorship of other warriors around him.
“Brian also loved yoga, and it was one of the methods Brian used to help with his PTSD,” Diane said. “It helped him become more peaceful. I noticed Brian would sleep better; he was calmer and more relaxed. I thought to myself that yoga is such a blessing, both mentally and physically.”
After Brian’s passing, Diane looked for a way to raise PTSD awareness and the positive impact yoga could have on the lives of wounded veterans. Ultimately, Diane decided to host a memorial yoga event both for Brian and those who struggle with PTSD, bringing together others to participate in what he loved – and to support a charity she believes in.
“The event was amazing,” Diane explained. “There were over 40 people in attendance. I served sushi and an artisan fruit and cheese platter, a few of Brian’s favorites. We had a guitarist sing the last song in the yoga class. It was a lovely tribute to my son. The event raised almost $3,000 to support Wounded Warrior Project.”
Diane has a special passion for WWP’s mental health programs and services, which address the growing needs of warriors who are returning from war with invisible wounds. Although challenging, WWP’s multi-day restorative mental health workshops provide safe, private environments for warriors to express themselves and share their experiences – with laughter and tears. By the end, warriors share lessons learned from the activities that impacted their personal struggles most and set achievable goals for their recoveries.
“Wounded Warrior Project helps thousands of veterans, family members, and caregivers every year,” she said. “War is ugly! That’s why Wounded Warrior Project tries to create a big difference between thriving and just holding it together. They teach warriors to face their issues head on with the right tools and support they need to take the initiative. Post-traumatic stress disorder is different for everyone – and so the needed treatment is different for everyone.”
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.