Wounded Warriors Move to Healing Rhythms During Dance Lesson

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Aug. 14, 2019 -- National Guard veteran Evamarie Duff doesn't mind driving two hours to network with other veterans. Recently, she even put a little spring in her step by joining a dance lesson organized by Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP).

"I grew up dancing," Evamarie said. "Where I currently live, I don't have that option – it's a small town in the middle of a corn field, about 50 or 60 miles from a dance studio."

The dance lessons are offered through WWP's Physical Health and Wellness program. The goal is to get warriors active and on a path to recovery, both physically and mentally.

Physical Activity Key to Injured Veteran Recovery

PHOENIX, Aug. 13, 2019 -- Denise McCarson lost more than 60 pounds in just over four years. As an Army veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, she manages several service-connected injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and chronic back and neck pain. In 2014, Denise joined Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) with hopes to regain an active lifestyle. The decision changed the course of her life.

"If it weren't for Wounded Warrior Project's physical health and wellness programs, I'd probably still be at home," Denise said.

Since her involvement with WWP, Denise has also significantly increased mobility in her neck and upper back. It was one of her biggest achievements, allowing her to grow a larger list of activities she can enjoy. She has since participated in many WWP activities over the years, including yoga and hiking. Recently, Denise even joined other veterans at a wheelchair lacrosse clinic.

Warriors Gain Confidence, Sailing Skills, and New Connections

NEWPORT, R.I., Aug. 12, 2019 -- Injured veterans were empowered to steer the boat, grind the winches, and trim the sails at a Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) sailing class in Newport.

"I wanted to be on the ocean without feeling uneasy," said Army veteran Dawn Tomei. "I do have a slight fear of the water, and having the backing of other veterans gave me the courage to be on the sailboat. I had never been sailing and had no previous knowledge of how to sail."

Connecting with fellow service members and people in the community gives warriors support they can count on. The opportunity to try something new and be surrounded by other veterans encouraged Dawn to sign up for this and several other WWP activities in the past year. She first heard about WWP from a female veteran with whom she served in Iraq. 

Wounded Veterans, Employers Find Common Ground at Camp Pendleton

OCEANSIDE, Calif., Aug. 5, 2019 -- Wounded warriors recently met with more than 40 employers at a Camp Pendleton networking event organized by Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP).

Marine veteran Shane Davis visited with company representatives and got an edge on his job search. Shane recovered from injuries to his foot and shoulder after his service in Iraq and enrolled in school to pursue a civilian career. He will graduate in December with degrees in information systems and aeronautics.

He's finding out WWP career resources are a good tool for him. "There were major companies there, from Starbucks to Deloitte, and other big-name companies," Shane said.

N.Y. Mets' All-Star Pete Alonso Donates $50,000 to Wounded Warrior Project

QUEENS, N.Y., July 29, 2019 -- One home run can change the course of a game. And recently, 57 home runs changed the course of wounded veterans' lives.

New York Mets all-star rookie first baseman Pete Alonso launched 57 baseballs over the fence at Progressive Field in Cleveland to win the T-Mobile^® Home Run Derby on July 8. After the event, Alonso announced he'd donate $50,000 to Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP).

"A bad day at work for me is getting booed off the field, going 0-for-4, making errors," Pete said. "But I can't even imagine what a bad day at work is for people who put their lives on the line every single day. I just have the utmost respect for those people."