Wounded Warrior Project Families Make Connections, Unique Rustic Signs
WWP program events like making signs at Creative Grain Studio give family members of wounded warriors an opportunity to experience firsthand what is possible at social gatherings that connect them with one another and empower them to build a support structure.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 5, 2017) – When Kurt Wilson returns home later this month, he will be greeted by a sign that simply reads, “Home Sweet Home.”
When David Medina goes to sleep each night, he will pass a wooden panel on the bedroom door that says, “For all the things my hands have held the best by far is you.”
A recent Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) event connected warrior family members during an afternoon of crafting unique plaques – each made by hand and from the heart – while sharing their experiences.
Lymarie Medina’s inspiration came from Andrew McMahon’s song, “Cecilia and the Satellite” – and her husband, David, an Army veteran.
“I had my husband in mind when I made the plaque,” she said. “I’m hanging it on the bedroom door. I want to remind him we have his hand. I’m going to put a collage of family pictures around it, so he will see the family that loves him. I want to remind him we will always love him. He needs that support every day.”
WWP program events like making signs at Creative Grain Studio give family members of wounded warriors an opportunity to experience firsthand what is possible at social gatherings that connect them with one another and empower them to build a support structure.
The signs addressed the struggles for many WWP families as they try to reconnect. Jennifer Wilson wants her sign to be the first thing her husband, a Navy veteran, sees when the family is reunited. The family is temporarily separated so Jennifer can set up a new home while Kurt remains out of state with their oldest son until he graduates from high school.
The family will be reunited this month. The process of strengthening their family will continue.
“My warrior has been living out of state for the last year working at a new job while our oldest son finishes his senior year,” Jennifer said. “The world of post-traumatic stress disorder can be very isolating. Our family has gained so much from meeting others.
“I can’t wait for it to really be a home sweet home.”
The group sized, refurbished, and painted planks of rustic wood before they added their own personal messages. Each sign reminded families while their struggles differ, they’re all empowered by the tools available through WWP.
“It helps to share with everybody,” Lymarie said. “We’ve gained so much through Wounded Warrior Project programs like these.”
The event was one of WWP's gatherings that educates warrior families about additional programs and services to help in the recovery process, creates support through shared experiences, and builds camaraderie by connecting injured veterans to one another and warrior families.
To learn and see more about how WWP’s programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/, and click on multimedia.
Contact: Rob Louis – Public Relations
Email: RLouis@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.627.0432
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.