Wounded Warrior Project Helps Veterans Showcase Their Recovery Through Art
Army veteran Daniel Walter likes to paint.
“Art is my outlet,” Daniel explained. “I don't have very good conversation skills, and I don't talk to a lot of people, so painting is how I get whatever is inside out.”
Daniel’s challenges with conversation stem from a brain injury. He survived an explosion in Iraq when the helicopter he was in landed near an improvised explosive device nearly 20 years ago. “It is tough to find the words to complete sentences,” Daniel said. His words are thoughtful and measured. His art provides a peek into his life.
Army veteran Marcos De Loera also finds words fleeting at times. Putting paint on canvas is his outlet. Each brush stroke projects his inner thoughts.
“Art therapy, to me, is connecting,” Marcos said. “I use art to turn those feelings into something visual for me.”
Marcos and Daniel joined other veterans and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recently at Globe Life Field to showcase their creations from art therapy during a Texas Rangers game. WWP helps connect warriors with art therapy through its Independence Program.
Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project’s Independence Program
WWP’s Independence Program supports warriors with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, or neurological conditions. Alternative therapies, including art, stimulate improvement in warriors.
Marine Corps veteran Jimmy Glenn sees the benefits.
“Art therapy has had a really big influence on my life and has helped get me to where I am today.”
Jimmy joined other veterans from WWP’s Independence Program to show their art at the Perez Museum in Miami. The world-renowned gallery worked with the veterans charity to display warrior art for a special evening this summer.
“It’s been incredible, for the first time seeing my art in a museum,” Jimmy said.
Army veteran Robin Young shared Jimmy’s enthusiasm. “This is overwhelming. I went from drawing stick people to creating art, and to have people come and look at my art and admire it makes me so proud,” Robin said.
WWP developed these showcases to bring veterans together and see the power of art.
“I used to think art therapy was just about creating art,” Robin said. “It is so much more. We go over breathing techniques and other things. I’m so excited to have art therapy in my life.”
These warriors have found their voice with art therapy and WWP.
“Wounded Warrior Project has helped by connecting me with other veterans and soldiers who are in the same mindset and with similar abilities that I have,” Marcos said. “We can convey the feelings and see each other in the community.”
“Without them, I would probably not be where I am now,” Daniel said. “I've come a long way from where my injury was, and it has a lot to do with Wounded Warrior Project.”
Contact: Rob Louis — Public Relations, rlouis@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.627.0432
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.