Everyone’s journey toward mental health and wellness is unique. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) supports veterans and families to #CombatStigma and embrace a brighter future.
Tonya Oxendine joined the United States Army a year after finishing high school. She served in the military for 30 years. After coming home Tonya dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder. Yet instead of seeking help, she felt she had to remain silent and keep the pain and emotions bottled up inside.
But it would be two more years before Tonya finally sought help for her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the severe depression and anxiety she was experiencing.
Equine Therapy Heals Invisible Wounds of War
Air Force veteran Richard Daniel suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during combat. His wife and caregiver, Mina, says Richard came home a different person after his traumatic brain injury. See how WWP's Independence Program and equine therapy helped him regain his confidence and helped Mina with her caregiving needs. #CombatStigma
Life Beyond the Wounds of War: Warrior Bryan Wagner's Story
Army veteran Bryan Wagner received the physical and mental health support and empowerment he deserved as he transitioned to civilian life. “During the early days, these three things sustained me: family, faith, and Wounded Warrior Project – that was my support system.” #CombatStigma
Army Veteran Finds Light in the Darkness
Joey Pierstorff remembers the struggles he had during and after his time in the military. He joined the Army at just 18 years old, motivated to serve after the 9/11 attacks. He spent 11 years in the service, deploying multiple times to Iraq. After leaving the service, many veterans, like Joey, struggle to figure out the next phase of their lives. Through WWP, Joey was able to connect with other veterans, and share his experiences. #CombatStigma
Warrior Story: Dan Nevins & Dan Smee
Dan Smee served as a combat medic in Iraq. In 2004, an IED detonated beneath a Humvee in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Dan Nevins was severely injured in the attack. He suffered a TBI and had to have his legs amputated, but Dan Smee saved his life. While Dan Nevins survived because of the great work of his combat medic, Dan Smee still struggled with the trauma from that day. Dan had the chance to reconnect again with his Army buddy, and his life would change from that point forward. #CombatStigma
Warrior Dan Miller shares his story of hope
After his retirement, doctors diagnosed Dan with TBI and PTSD. The urge to quit entered Dan’s mind and he contemplated ending his life. Amazingly, a brochure for WWP interrupted his suicide attempt. Dan’s message to his fellow warriors is a message of hope: “I will pick you up and put you on my shoulder. We will move forward together. If I begin to falter, another veteran will come along and help us both.” #CombatStigma
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