Wounded Warrior Project Brings Veterans to Experience America’s Pastime with Cincinnati Reds
CINCINNATI (Aug. 29, 2017) – Baseball is more than just America’s pastime – it’s a long-standing tradition of coming together to enjoy a relaxing day of sports, fellowship, and fun. For the Cincinnati Reds™, it’s also a chance to give back to the injured veterans served by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). The team donated tickets to wounded warriors so they could see the Reds in action at the Great American Ball Park.
Zach Bruton, a Marine Corps veteran and wounded warrior, recently attended a Reds game. He had been to many WWP events before, where he connected with other veterans like him – but this was one of his favorites.
“I’ve participated in many of the other Wounded Warrior Project events such as the push-up challenge, building a better workout, and some of the other physical health and wellness events,” Zach said. “With each event I participate in, I’ve been getting a bigger sense of fulfillment. Not being in the military anymore feels like there’s a big chunk of my life missing, and Wounded Warrior Project helps fill that missing part of my life.
“The event was probably one of the best times of my life. During batting practice, the Reds shortstop Zack Cozart autographed an all-star game jersey for me. I’ve never been able to sit directly behind the dugout to watch batting practice before, so that was amazing.”
The baseball game was more than just a chance for warriors and their family members to come together for a night of camaraderie – it was a chance to build support systems that help with recovery from the wounds of war.
“Getting together with other veterans means a lot to me,” Zach said. “Now that I’m out of the Marine Corps, it’s not very often that I get to get together with other vets and just relax and talk. Hearing some of their stories and telling some of mine just feels good. It’s a nice reminder that I’m not alone out there.”
Thanks to generous donors, WWP programs and services are offered free of charge to warriors, their caregivers, and families, and they assist with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, connecting warriors with one another and their communities, and long-term care for the most seriously wounded.
To learn more about how WWP’s programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Contact: Mattison Brooks – Public Relations
Email: MBrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.646.6897
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.