Veterans Charity Connects Wounded Warriors with Recovery

Wounded Warrior Project Recognizing 15 Years of Impact

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Jun 19, 2018, 11:17 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "My life changed in ways I would never imagine," Dan Smee said as he recounted his experiences as a combat medic in Iraq.

"On a daily basis, if you didn't see something traumatic, it was in your mind anyway – maybe something from the day before – so it's always on your mind," the Army veteran said, before recalling the challenges he faced after deployment.

Army veteran Dan Smee found new purpose after connecting with veterans through Wounded Warrior Project. WWP is recognizing Dan Smee and other warriors while commemorating 15 years of impact.

"I came back; I was really proud of my service, but things started to unravel for me. I just started to isolate and self-medicate.

"I wasn't really dealing with a lot of the stuff I had etched on my memory and scarred in my soul a little bit. Luckily, Wounded Warrior Project was one of the things that helped me get back on track."

Dan crossed paths with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) several times over the years before connecting with the veterans charity.

"Some of the guys I served with would get injured and they would come back with backpacks, and they were saying 'how great.'"

WWP started delivering backpacks with care items to wounded veterans. WWP connects warriors, families, and caregivers with healing programs and services. For 15 years, its focus has been building long-term veteran support structures that empower warriors on their paths to recovery.

"A big part for me is the engagement portion of Wounded Warrior Project because that is what helped me in my recovery."

Some of these connections occur during regular WWP Peer Support meetings. WWP establishes these groups across the country to help warriors create support structures by connecting with one another. WWP Peer Support groups are in more than 25 states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The number of groups will expand to more than 50 by the end of 2018.

WWP is transforming the way America's injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities. Its free services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care change lives.

"I could never envision what my life would be like without Wounded Warrior Project."

Learn about getting involved at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/alumni.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project