Veterans and Families Spend a Day at the Lake with Wounded Warrior Project

MELROSE, Fla., Aug. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) program gathering, a couple opened their lake house to injured veterans and their families for a day of summer fun. This was the third event of its kind hosted by Frank and Jodi Bondurant, longtime WWP supporters.

"We are pleased to honor those who have served and continue to sacrifice for our freedom," Frank said. "We feel that the families have been affected in a big way by the wounds of war."

Wounded warriors and guests enjoyed a wide assortment of outdoor leisure activities including wakeboarding, pool volleyball, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing. While enjoying a day in the sun, participants were able to forge new friendships with fellow warriors and family members.

The day at the lake was a welcome activity for Army veteran Joesel Chaparro, who learned about the outing from his brother, who is also a wounded warrior.

"My brother was out there last year and highly recommended that I go," Joesel said. "I'm a big fan of being outdoors, and I'm a big fan of my children being outside instead of on their tablets and phones all day."

Through WWP program activities, the recovery needs of injured veterans are supported by reintroducing them to the unique bonds experienced during military service. These bonds can help deter isolation and provide a unique outlet for family members to meet others who have shared experiences.

"It is definitely important for warriors to meet with other warriors," Joesel said. "We need that camaraderie and fellowship with each other. It's important for us all to know that we are and always will be soldiers."

WWP staff spent time at the lake with warriors and family members, interacting with attendees and advising them of additional programs and services that can assist their recovery. Through the generosity of donors, these resources are available to wounded warriors at no cost.  

"We were very impressed by the soldiers who we met, and we hope to continue supporting them," Frank said.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP 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.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project