Wounded Warrior Project Applauds U.S. House Passage of Landmark Toxic Exposure Legislation

WASHINGTON, March 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) today applauded U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act, H.R. 3967, which would ensure health care coverage for post-9/11 veterans who are suffering from the effects of exposure to toxic substances during their military service.

"The federal government has an obligation to take care of veterans who are sick today or may become sick in the future because of exposure to toxic substances while they were serving our nation," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "I want to thank Chairman Mark Takano and the other co-sponsors of the Honoring Our PACT Act for making this important legislation a top priority, and I urge the Senate to continue their work to swiftly take up and pass this meaningful toxic exposure piece of legislation."

Wounded Warrior Project Survey Highlights Veterans Mental Health, Toxic Exposure Concerns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 22, 2022 -- The latest Annual Warrior Survey from Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) demonstrates that the effects of war and military operations on wounded, ill, and injured veterans can last a lifetime.

Specifically, the new survey reinforces that mental health is a critical concern for post-9/11 wounded warriors. The research revealed that nearly 1 in 4 post-9/11 wounded veterans registered with WWP had suicidal thoughts in the past 12 months. Of the WWP warriors who reported these suicidal thoughts, most (70%) had them in the last two weeks. Overall, the survey concluded mental health issues are more than twice as common as physical ones among WWP warriors.

Carry Forward Comeback: Wounded Warrior Project’s 5K Returns In-Person

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s good to be back in-person. Supporters cheering, thousands of feet striking the pavement, upbeat music, high fives, and fist bumps — that’s the signature soundtrack of the Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Carry Forward^® 5K, presented by USAA^®, which returned to in-person events in 2021.

Colleen Kuh was pleased to return after the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic. She’s been participating in Carry Forward Nashville since 2018. Every year, her team has grown — more than 30 supported her and her late husband and Army veteran Tony this year.

Wreath-Laying Tribute Connects Veteran Community During the Holidays

Even during the joy of the holiday season, many veterans’ families are coping with a painful void from the loss of a loved one -- a hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice. The empty seat at their dinner table is the heavy reminder they face every year. It is during the difficult holiday hustle and bustle that loved ones come together to remember, honor, and teach; the powerful mission that drives National Wreaths Across America Day. With more than 2,500 participating locations, this annual wreath-laying tribute honors the brave servicemen and women who gave their lives for their country.

Helping During the Holidays: Support Companies that Honor Wounded Warriors

When shopping this holiday season, here are several ways you can support organizations that are giving back to Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) warriors and their families: