SAN ANTONIO, July 12, 2017 -- One of the major challenges many wounded veterans face when returning to civilian life is maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. That's why Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) hosts physical health and wellness events around the nation, not just to get warriors moving again but to connect them with other local warriors who share their life experiences. Recently, injured veterans challenged themselves and connected during a ruck march.
"It was definitely great to be part of, and struggle, as a team again," said Air Force veteran Jeremiah Patterson. "It doesn't sound significant, but for me it was. That camaraderie is something I miss since being out of the military."
Rucking is an exercise routine that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among veterans who have transitioned to civilian life. The fitness regimen involves marching, hiking, or running with a weighted backpack, usually with a moderate to heavy weight, and according to the Go Ruck website (http://www.goruck.com/how-to-ruck/), the ideal pace is 15 minutes per mile.
SIMSBURY, Conn., July 8, 2017 -- The supporters of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) come from all walks of life, and their generosity allows WWP to provide free, life-changing programs and services to injured veterans, their caregivers, and family members. Recently, Hayley Latorre of Simsbury, Connecticut, used her passions for baking and America's veterans to raise awareness for WWP.
"The bake sale was a community project that I started seven years ago," Hayley said. "However, I have involved the school to a much bigger extent in the last few years through the club I started – Wounded Veterans Strong. I decided to support Wounded Warrior Project because I was inspired by my father. And Wounded Warrior Project's mission and goals really moved me."
URBANA, Ill., July 7, 2017 -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) relies on the support of donors, including individual supporters, corporate partners, and even groups of students. Their generosity allows WWP to provide free, life-changing programs and services to injured veterans, their caregivers, and family members. Recently, Flightstar, which maintains aircraft frames, organized a charity golf tournament to support WWP.
"Many of our employees, their family members, or their friends have served in the military," said Amy Bumgarner, Flightstar service department business manager. "This connection to our service members was a large part of choosing a cause to receive support through our annual golf outing. We love the work Wounded Warrior Project does."
SEATTLE, June 29, 2017 -- One of the major challenges many wounded veterans face when returning to civilian life is maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. That's why Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) hosts physical health and wellness expos around the nation, not just to get warriors moving again but to connect them with other local warriors who share their life experiences.
"Even though I may be nervous about meeting new people in the beginning, I quickly feel at home and at ease when I am around other veterans," said Army veteran Charlene Reilley. "Even if they are a different branch, we can all still relate in some way or another and have fun being ourselves. We can push each other to improve and be resilient. Once I got out of the Army, I stopped working out daily, for the most part. I would hike, kayak, and walk my dog, but nothing like the daily physical training first thing in the morning in the service. I ended up gaining weight and found myself being more stressed in a negative way – my temper got shorter and shorter."
