Wounded Warrior Project Veterans Connect with Their Children at Family Event
By Rob Louiswoundedwarriorproject.org
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) veterans and their families recently took to the slopes for a day of skiing and snowboarding in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Participants experienced firsthand the benefits of getting out of the house, connecting with fellow service members, and becoming involved in their local community.
Warriors and their children arrived ready to tackle the mountain, but first, they got to know one another over dinner and took part in an icebreaker activity. The next morning, participants strapped on their boards and skis as they listened to basic skiing and snowboarding instructions, and they were soon gliding over the powder.
“I went to a similar event last year, but this time was more special since I could bring my son along,” said Army and Army National Guard veteran Taube Roy. “It was great getting the chance to bond with him and other warrior families. Plus, I think it’s important for kids to see there are other families in similar situations.”
These connection activities support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues, and 29.6 percent expressed physical activity helps.
WWP staff interacted with attendees throughout the weekend, advising them of programs and services to assist in their recovery processes. WWP programs help injured veterans with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, and connecting with other warriors and their communities. Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in outreach activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to them.
“I have liked every Wounded Warrior Project event I’ve been a part of, and I feel like I always come back from them stronger and more goal-oriented to improve my life,” Taube said.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
