NEW YORK, June 19, 2017 -- Registration is open for the public to participate in the 10th annual Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride® Community Rides that will take place in July near New York City. Soldier Ride is a multi-day bicycling event, where injured veterans are challenged to push themselves physically and mentally as they manage visible and invisible wounds of war. And they don't ride alone – they move forward together, as a unit, just like during their military service.
Community Rides are similar – and special in that the public can take part – yet they're more than just a chance to pedal alongside our nation's wounded warriors. Community Rides are an opportunity to show support and raise critical funds that allow WWP to connect warriors with programs and services that empower them to live their lives on their terms, free of charge.
NEW YORK, June 16, 2017 -- At the 2017 Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) recognized warriors and partners who have dedicated time and effort to change the lives of the warriors served by WWP. Army veteran Brett Miller, who was seriously wounded in 2004, received the highest honor for the evening.
The Courage Award is given to a warrior who embodies the values of WWP. The most humbling part of the award, Brett said, was who chose him to be the recipient.
"It's something that's chosen by your peers," Brett said. "To be chosen among the peers here in this room is unbelievable. I'm beyond honored."
GREENVILLE, N.C., June 14, 2017 -- During a recent military appreciation game, the East Carolina University (ECU) Pirates welcomed Marine Corps veteran Taniki Richards to throw out the first pitch. For Taniki, it was more than just a chance to kick off the baseball game. It was an opportunity to represent the charity she loves – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).
"Wounded Warrior Project has been such a blessing to me and my husband, who is my caregiver," Taniki said. "The network of other veterans who have been through what I have been through, who struggle like I do with post-traumatic stress and military sexual trauma, makes me feel like I belong. It makes me whole to spend time with those other warriors, and they're a big part of my recovery."
WWP has served Taniki since 2013, and she continues finding new ways to challenge herself and grow. Like many wounded warriors returning to civilian life, she has set helpful goals for her road to recovery.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 14, 2017 -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) announced it is partnering with JLL, a leading global financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate, to help WWP manage its portfolio of 16 offices. The JLL team, led by John Heald and Jordan Fogler, will provide expertise in transaction management, lease administration, business intelligence and organizational strategies. The partnership will improve WWP's ability to support wounded veterans by utilizing JLL's innovative real estate and workplace programs.
"We're always looking for ways to be more efficient with the resources our supporters have entrusted to us," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "I'm excited to work alongside JLL because, from the beginning, it was clear they believed in our mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. JLL's innovative approach will allow Wounded Warrior Project to reduce costs and improve our work environment. This change will not only help the staff but the warriors we serve."
MEDFORD, N.J., June 14, 2017 -- Veterans with service-related health issues received instant relief when Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) held a Benefits Claims Day at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office in New York City.
"My claim was open since 2014," said Cecilia Burgos, U.S. Navy wounded warrior and local Medford, New Jersey, resident. "Three weeks from me working my claim with Wounded Warrior Project, I was sitting in front of the VA representative who would be deciding my case. Four hours later, I had their decision."
Cecilia's approval came with more than $42,000 in retroactive benefits service pay the following day.
