Empowering Veterans Through Programs, Services, and Advocacy

As a spirited kid, David had little patience for cross-stitching. Back then, sitting down and putting tiny X-shaped stitches in a piece of fabric seemed too boring for an energetic boy who was always in motion. But his mother’s hobby lingered in the background of his life. Years later, after serving in the U.S. Army, the slow rhythm of stitching offered David something unexpected—peace. The threads that once couldn’t hold his attention eventually helped him hold everything together. Through cross-stitching, David found calm, focus, and healing after leaving the military.

On a warm spring morning in Northeast Florida, Army veteran Sean Karpf stood beside his wife and two kids and turned the key to a brand-new home. This wasn’t just a housewarming – it was a milestone. The mortgage-free, custom-built home was designed with every aspect of Sean’s service-connected injuries in mind. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For veterans, these events can stem from combat exposure, trauma, or other highly stressful, life-threatening situations experienced during service. While anyone can develop PTSD, veterans face unique risk factors that can make the condition more complex and persistent.

When veterans transition to civilian life, they often search for jobs in civilian fields where they can put unique experiences and skills to work. However, finding meaningful employment after their service is often easier said than done. According to the latest Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Warrior Survey*, nearly 6 in 10 warriors face underemployment. Furthermore, 67% of warriors reported experiencing financial strain, a rising trend since 2021.  

In 2025, as America marks its 250th birthday, three of its oldest military branches – the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps – will celebrate the same milestone.  These institutions have shaped American history. They stand as symbols of national defense, resilience, and service. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is proud to stand beside those who stand to serve. No matter the uniform, WWP will honor and empower wounded veterans, their families, and caregivers well into the future.