Eleven Wounded Veterans Preparing to Graduate

Wounded Warrior Project Will Honor TRACK Graduates Friday

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Jul 22, 2015, 05:25 ET

SAN ANTONIO, July 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) will honor 11 wounded veterans with a special graduation ceremony Friday evening for completing its 12-month TRACK™ program in San Antonio.

TRACK is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for injured veterans. Facilities are located in San Antonio, Texas, and Jacksonville, Florida at WWP headquarters. The 12-month program is built around the needs of the wounded servicemembers. Along with helping them meet their educational goals, TRACK supports physical health and wellness, mental health, and career development. The program is designed with combat-related stress in mind. TRACK is one of 20 free programs offered by WWP to Alumni.

This newest cohort of TRACK graduates traveled from as far away as California to live in San Antonio and enroll in the program for the past year, free of charge. During that time, the students took classes on the TRACK campus, participated in physical therapy sessions, and served externships with San Antonio area businesses.

Earl Lundy is a married father of two who says he struggled in school before TRACK. "Now, with the support system, I will finish with a 3.4 GPA," Lundy said.

The support system includes WWP employees and classmates.

Michael McCollum wants to earn a cyber-security degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. "I was challenged with controlling my reactions in certain situations and was hesitant about going back to school, for this reason. Today I have a 3.66 GPA because of what I have learned," McCollum said.

TRACK students graduate with the skills and support to continue their education or enter the civilian workforce. "I came to Wounded Warrior Project with the goal of becoming a better student – instead I became a better person," Vicente Ayala said. The single father says he feels his dreams are now attainable. "My time at TRACK has provided me with opportunities to grow in mind, body, and spirit."

TRACK launches its newest cohort with 19 students on August 3^rd. To learn more about TRACK or other education services and programs provided by WWP, contact the WWP Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (888.997.2586) or [email protected].

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

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project