More Than Fireworks: Veterans and Service Members Embody the Meaning of Independence Day

Every July 4, America celebrates its independence — from its roots to its present. Few embody the spirit of American independence more profoundly than the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces.

Veterans and service members take an oath to defend the freedoms upon which their country stands. They deserve the thanks of a grateful nation.

Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) honors and empowers the warriors who help defend the ideals born on July 4, 1776. While there are many reasons warriors choose to serve, the common thread is a deep commitment to a purpose greater than themselves. It’s a path that demands sacrifice, discipline, and incredible courage.

Motivated to Serve in Wake of 9/11 Attacks

Xander Hernandez comes from a long line of service members. While his parents didn’t serve, his grandfather was a Marine, and nearly all his uncles served in the Air Force.

Xander said there was an unspoken expectation that he would serve in the military, probably in the Air Force. But one day in high school, the desire to serve became paramount. It was Sept. 11, 2001.

“… Life changed for everyone right in that very instant,” Xander said. “At that point, the unspoken expectation that I would join the military kind of thrust into center stage … {Within weeks] I was down in the recruiter's office. …”

Xander spoke to the Air Force first but eventually chose the Army, joining under a its delayed entry program because he was not yet 18.

At just 20 years old, Xander sustained serious injuries while on duty in Iraq. After undergoing multiple surgeries, he redeployed a year later and suffered another injury. The military medically discharged him in 2009. Like many veterans, Xander struggled to adjust to civilian life while managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain.

But he credits WWP™ with helping him “wake up” and find the best version of himself. Through WWP’s livestreaming and gaming, Xander found new ways to engage his interests and connect with other veterans.

Xander's proud of how far he's come and now encourages others to seek support. He’s also grateful to the veteran community and WWP supporters who helped him get where he is now.

“I am very proud to call myself a Wounded Warrior [Project] alum,” Xander said. “I am proud to call myself a veteran, but I am even more proud to call myself a recipient of the generosity of so many amazing people who do what they do to make Wounded Warrior Project a possibility.”

‘I Would Do It Over 100 Times’

For Beth King, joining the U.S. Army wasn’t just a career move but a leap of faith. She enlisted as a single mom, determined to create a better future for her son.

Beth deployed to Afghanistan with hopes of building a long-term military career. But during one mission, a rocket-propelled grenade hit her helicopter, igniting the gas lines. Beth was thrown from the Chinook, left dangling by her backstrap. The attack left lasting physical and mental injuries: damage to her spine, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and PTSD.

Though still dealing with her wounds, Beth found healing with the support of her family and getting involved in WWP’s adaptive sports programs.

“I am not just playing sports,” Beth said. “I am bettering myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Adaptive sports gave me a community of people who understand that the struggle is real.”

Despite the injuries and time away from her son, Beth still considers joining the military one of her best decisions.

“I loved what I was doing, and I believed in what I was doing,” Beth said. “I would do it over 100 times. I think in all reality; the hardest part was getting out.”

The Bonds of Brotherhood

Eric Delion once dreamed of a football career, but a hand injury in high school changed his plans. He then began exploring the military but wasn’t sure which branch was right for him.

After an in-person meeting with a Marine recruiter, he got his answer. 

“Once I went in and sat down and talked to him, I knew that the Marine Corps was for me,” Eric said.

Eric was in boot camp when the 9/11 attacks happened. He and other recruits were pulled off the rifle range unaware of what was happening in the country they were training to defend. Eric recalls being told they’re likely going to war,

“Once I saw [the attack] with my own eyes, that’s when I knew it was real, and I was ready -- no ifs, ands, or buts,” Eric said. “I was ready to do whatever we had to do.”

Eric deployed to Iraq in 2003 and 2004. During his second deployment, Eric says he lost count of all the firefights, incoming mortar rounds, rocket attacks, and roadside bombs. He returned home with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.

Years after leaving the military, Eric connected with WWP and became involved in Physical Health and Wellness programs. The support helped him find community. He connected with other veterans to recapture the camaraderie he missed from his days as a Marine — a title he takes immense pride in.

“The best, I would have to say, is just holding that title in general – just the title of a Marine, and the brotherhood that comes with it,” Eric said. “There are not a lot of people who are willing to do and go through [what we did], but it’s an unexplainable feeling.”

Eric is proud that he accepted help when he needed it most and now encourages others to ask for help, too.

“For all those who are going through what I went through, know that there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Eric said. “There are always people out there who care. All you have to do is find them.”

A Sense of Adventure – and Service

Sharona Young didn’t come from a military family, but she was ready for a change and eager to travel the world. She didn’t know which military branch she wanted to serve in, so she called all her local recruiters. The Navy got back to her first.

At first, Sharona saw her military service as a job. But over time, she came to see it as a way of life.

“I wasn’t familiar with the military. I had no idea exactly what the military did and just really didn’t realize what it was that I had signed up for,” Sharona said. “So, it did take a while for me to realize, ‘OK, this is kind of a big deal.’”

During her time in the service, she went to England, Spain, and Jordan. She left active duty in 2003 but joined the Reserves and deployed to the Persian Gulf.

“One of the things I enjoyed about going to the different countries was just seeing how different people live, the differences in housing, the differences in what they’re eating, and just cultural differences, their day-to-day life,” Sharona said.

Sharona planned to stay in the Navy long term, but a medical diagnosis changed her course. When she retired, Sharona left with memories of incredible places but also left with a list of medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Raising a daughter while adjusting to limited mobility and life without military camaraderie made things even more difficult.

Sharona started addressing her conditions with the help of WWP programs. Soldier Ride^®, a unique, multi-day riding event, gave her a sense of belonging and helped her build confidence. She also enrolled in WWP’s Independence Program, which provides innovative, long-term support to the most catastrophically wounded veterans.

Sharona started addressing her conditions with the help of WWP programs. Soldier Ride^®, a multi-day cycling event, gave her a sense of belonging and helped her build confidence. She also enrolled in WWP’s Independence Program, which supports the most severely injured warriors in their ability to live independently, plan for long-term care needs, and find new purpose.

Through support from her family and WWP, Sharona has realized her adventures aren’t over. She encourages other veterans to seek help.

“Don’t be afraid of the challenges or the unknown,” she said. “Just trust yourself and have fun. Focus on what you can do and go from there.”

Soaring to New Heights

Tim McDonough grew up surrounded by military service. His dad was a Marine, and his grandfather served. Tim knew he’d follow in their footsteps Drawn to planes, the Navy and Air Force particularly interested him. He ended up serving in both.

“Originally, Naval aviation just seemed like a constant adrenalin rush,” Tim said. “After my mom passed away, I had to spend more time at home. So, I did what’s called the ‘palace chase,’ and I went from Navy to active-duty Air Force. Before I knew it, I was in a flight suit ready to travel around the world.”

As an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force, Tim worked on large cargo planes, transporting vehicles, other planes, and sadly, at times, the caskets of those who died in service.

After leaving the military, Tim dealt with PTSD and cognitive challenges. Then, the loss of a friend to suicide in 2015 pushed Tim to reevaluate his life. He decided to pursue his passions without hesitation.

Through WWP, Tim found the support he needed. He discovered a love for archery, cooking, and bonsai trees. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and has worked alongside some of the world’s best-known chefs.

“There’s that old saying, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.’ You got to get up and keep moving,” Tim said.

That mindset and the support he found helped Tim reclaim his sense of purpose. Now, part of his mission is ensuring other veterans know they’re not alone.

“Wounded Warrior Project’s been with me every step of the way,” Tim said. “That’s been my biggest blessing.”

The Mission Continues

As we celebrate Independence Day, we’re reminded that freedom is not just a historic ideal — it’s a living promise, safeguarded by the courage and sacrifice of those who served. Honoring that legacy means ensuring our veterans have the support, opportunity, and dignity they deserve after leaving the military.

Wounded Warrior Project is proud to walk beside them today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime — honoring their service and helping them achieve better health and well-being.

For these warriors — and many more — their mission doesn’t end when they leave the military. In many ways, it’s just the beginning.

Find out how you can help warriors thrive.

Contact: — Paris Moulden, Public Relations, pmoulden@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.7910

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.