Wounded Warrior Project supported at LPGA's CME Group Tour Championship

NAPLES, Fla., Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The sunshine state is home to an incredible legacy of golf – and to Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP). During LPGA's season ending 2016 CME Group Tour Championship, warriors served by WWP had the chance to work on the 18th hole as flag tenders, while many more watched and cheered from the gallery.

"It was beautiful when I arrived," said Jessica Lynn Daubenmire, Air Force veteran and wounded warrior. "There were clear skies and a minor chill – perfect fall weather. One by one, the pros would come up to the hole I was working. A few of them signed autographs and even gave some of us mementos like golf gloves, club covers, or signed golf balls."

For warriors, flag tending is more than just an opportunity to be out on the course – it's an important part of recovery from the visible and invisible wounds of war.

"I was a little nervous meeting the players and the other warriors, but it was an excited kind of nervous," Jessica said. "It gave me a chance to face a fear – large crowds. It's a struggle for me, but I like challenging myself. WWP staff constantly checked on us to make sure we were doing all right and enjoying ourselves. I'm glad I came out and did this."

In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps.

WWP CEO Mike Linnington cheered on the tournament and participated in a special presentation ceremony. Every year, CME Group Cares Weekends donates $1,000 per eagle during the third and final rounds to WWP and Bright Pink, a nonprofit focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. This year, over $150,000 was donated to each organization.

"Wounded Warrior Project is honored to have the continued support of CME Group and the LPGA," Mike said. "The CME Group's charitable giving has made it possible for us to continue connecting wounded veterans with programs and services that empower them to live life on their own terms. We're extremely grateful for their generosity and appreciate the opportunity for warriors to flag tend on the course during the tournament. When given a chance and tools to succeed, our resourceful warriors are able to make it happen."

WWP program events like this give wounded warriors an opportunity to get connected with fellow service members. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in outreach activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.

To learn more about how WWP's programs and services are making an impact on the lives of wounded warriors, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/. 

About Wounded Warrior Project
We Connect, Serve, and Empower
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP connects wounded warriors and their families to valuable resources and one another, serves them through a variety of free programs and services, and empowers them to live life on their own terms. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project