Wounded Warriors Cycle Across America To Raise Awareness For Veteran Issues

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2018 -- Thirty-six warriors coping with service-connected injuries will join Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) on a monumental cross-country journey to raise awareness for veteran issues, tomorrow.

Soldier Ride Across America – beginning at One World Trade in New York Cityand ending at Ocean Beach, California – commemorates the 15-year anniversary of Chris Carney's historic coast-to-coast cycling venture in support of wounded warrior, which spurred the creation of the WWP Soldier Ride^® program.

Veterans Charity Teaches Warriors How to Make Healthy Stir Fry

PHOENIX, Sept. 19, 2018 -- Injured veterans sought to create the perfect stir fry during a cooking class with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP). The group learned how to make a more health-conscious version of this classic meal — one of the many opportunities WWP offers to help veterans achieve large and small goals every day.

"I'm always looking for new ideas on how to eat healthy," said National Guard veteran Denise McCarson. "Since I've been home from my deployment, I put on 70 pounds, but thanks to events like this and guidance from Wounded Warrior Project, I've dropped 30 pounds! I'm a vegetarian and get stuck eating the same old meals, but this cooking class helped broaden my food choices."

Wounded Warrior Project Addressing Veteran Mental Health During Suicide Prevention Month

DALLAS, Sept. 19, 2018 -- 20 veterans die from suicide every day. It is a complex problem that is difficult to address and is why Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is partnering with the George W. Bush Institute's Warrior Wellness Alliance, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to talk about mental health resources.

This evening, WWP will broadcast on Facebook Live addressing veteran mental health, the challenges warriors face in the transition to civilian life, and the resources available to help.

Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans Service Organizations, and Congressional Leaders Announce Passage of "Death Gratuity" Payment Reform Bill

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2018 -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) applauds the addition of H.R. 1928 Families of The Fallen Service Members Act to the minibus carrying the defense appropriations package and is proud to have led the way in advocating for this important change to the law. This bill protects military families from being inadvertently and adversely impacted by government shutdowns that suspend immediate financial assistance to families whose loved one dies while on active duty.

When a servicemember loses their life while serving on active duty, their family is provided a tax-free stipend of $100,000, known as a death gratuity payment. Grieving families rely on these funds to address immediate financial impacts that often occur after the death of a servicemember – such as travel and lodging for family members to travel for the return of remains; funeral costs; and other expenses that are unique to military families. In the past when the government has shut down, these funds were frozen until the shutdown expired, and military nonprofit groups generously contributed to families to cover what the government should have immediately provided.  

Injured Veterans Build Connections at Yoga Class

ESCONDIDO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2018 -- Warriors and their guests learned yoga positions and relaxation methods during a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) event designed to promote their physical wellness and mental health.

"I wanted to gain peace of mind and relaxation for my body," said Army veteran Analy Ruiz-Tapanya, from Escondido. "I liked that there were essential oils and meditation involved. It helped alleviate my pain."

The yoga session combined body movements and holds, aromatherapy with essential oils, and meditation techniques to help warriors achieve calmness, pain relief, and body control. Warriors and their guests mingled during a light lunch and learned more about WWP events and opportunities.