Veterans Charities Take Lead Advocating for Expansion of Privileges for Warriors and Caregivers

WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2018 -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) and the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) applaud Congress for passing a law to extend commissary, military exchanges, and Morale, Welfare and Recreational privileges to Purple Heart recipients, Medal of Honor recipients, former prisoners of war, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and their caregivers.

WWP and MOPH are proud to announce their successful advocacy efforts have resulted in one of the most significant expansions of military privileges for veterans and their caregivers in recent history. WWP and MOPH met with members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to ensure Congress included language extending these benefits in the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The president signed this act into law today – extending on-base shopping privileges at military exchanges and commissaries to all veterans with service-connected disabilities from VA, all Purple Heart recipients regardless of disability rating, and their eligible caregivers.

Wounded Warriors Empowered During Relaxed Curling Session With Team USA

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 26, 2018 -- Injured veterans took to the arena ice to experience the chill sport of curling with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) and Team USA athletes.

"I was a little nervous at first," said Navy veteran Tonya Cook, "because I never knew what curling was until I searched it online. Now, I'm talking about how that's too much spin, or too heavy a push, because I learned some terms and gained some experience."

Warriors gained professional insight into the sport of curling and built confidence in their physical abilities as they launched 42-pound polished granite stones toward the target, called the house.

Injured Veterans Step Back In History On Tampa Mafia Walking Tour

TAMPA, Fla., July 10, 2018 -- Warriors and guests toured historic Ybor City during a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) event. The area is rich with crime history and the sorted exploits of notorious public enemies.

"I love historical information and doing things with Wounded Warrior Project," said Army veteran Cheryl Caves. "I feel safe with them."

"Being a former history teacher, I was excited, as was my wife, to learn more about the city's gritty mafia history," said Marine Corps Reserve veteran Allan Dodsworth. "Also, to be honest, my wife really pushed me to get out and meet new people who are likeminded."

Bullseye! Wounded Warriors Find Peer Support At Archery Event

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa., July 6, 2018 -- Injured veterans and their guests gathered to share in camaraderie, while testing their skills at an archery event with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP). 

"As an active bow hunter, I got in some great practice and made a few new friends," said Army National Guard veteran Gene Frye. "The event was an opportunity to talk with other veterans who share similar experiences as me."

Isolation is one of the most significant struggles wounded warriors deal with after serving their country. It can be difficult knowing how to overcome that challenge and rekindle bonds similar to those formed in the military. WWP programs offer settings that provide opportunities for warriors to experience veteran peer support.

Warrior Regains His Family With Help From Veterans Charity

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 5, 2018 -- Bill Geiger credits Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) with helping save his family. The military police officer's reactions to post-traumatic stress and other issues from multiple deployments created a chasm in his home life.

"Life changed quite drastically," Bill said. "I was just angry, depressed, anxious, just the whole spectrum of the emotions. In my mind, I was somewhat OK; I didn't mind being that angry."

But his wife and children saw that anger differently.

"It wasn't until I found out how badly those emotions were affecting my family that I realized something was wrong."