Injured Veterans Hike and Camp in Grand Canyon
Trip Provides Outdoor Excursion, Camaraderie for Service Members
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (December 14, 2015) – It is not often a weekend will include shorts weather, driving rain, snow, and freezing conditions. But that is what a group of wounded veterans experienced while hiking through the Grand Canyon recently.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) took the injured service members on the three-day hike to increase camaraderie with their fellow wounded veterans. WWP sees Engagement as one of four pillars, along with Mind, Body, and Economic Empowerment, in the healing process for injured servicemen and women. The goal is to encourage camaraderie through events like this weekend’s hike and camp, so wounded veterans can build and expand their support structure.
David Myers is a Navy veteran who registered as a WWP Alumnus earlier this year. “The trip was awesome,” David said. “It was a challenge, but amazing. Gave me a sense of physical accomplishment I have not had in years.”
The small group of wounded veterans hiked from the top of the Grand Canyon down to the Colorado River and Phantom Ranch.
“We covered about 23 miles during the trip, much of that straight up and down, while carrying 45pound packs,” David said.
The constantly changing weather didn’t make their trek easy.
“We came prepared for the elements, so it made the trip enjoyable, despite the changing weather,” David said.
Between dealing with rough terrain and the weather, wounded veterans learned about WWP programs and bonded over their shared adventure.
“Being in the canyon was rejuvenating,’ David said. “I used to live in the outdoors, and this trip brought that passion back into my life.”
Wounded Warrior Project listens to the needs of all our more than 81,000 registered Alumni. More than
80 cents of every dollar raised, goes to support wounded veterans. Through the 2015 annual Alumni Survey, WWP can adjust programs and services to meet the needs of wounded veterans. See the results or download the executive summary at woundedwarriorproject.org/survey.
Contact: Rob Louis – Public Relations Specialist
Email: rlouis@woundedwarriorproject.org
Phone: 904.627.0432
About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.