Wildcatter Ranch to Host Project Odyssey

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Wildcatter Ranch have partnered for a third year to host 16 wounded warriors from February 21^-25, 2010 as part of WWP's Project Odyssey program.  Project Odyssey brings together veterans with PTSD and readjustment challenges for activities that offer healthy support in the healing process.

"For three years, Wildcatter Ranch and its staff have selflessly opened their facilities to this newest generation of wounded warriors and have extended their hospitality free of charge to warriors who bear the invisible wounds of war," said John Roberts, Executive Vice President for Mental Health and Warrior Engagement for Wounded Warrior Project. "Because they are not physically injured, they are often not thought of as wounded warriors.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  Often, these are the warriors that need the most help but receive the least amount of support." 

Recent studies have revealed that an estimated 20 percent of service members returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan will report symptoms of PTSD or major depression, but only half will seek treatment.  These symptoms can result from exposure to a wide array of traumatic events from the death or injury of a friend or non-combatant, to a personal injury or hospitalization.  Combat stress can also be exacerbated by multiple deployments or other challenges inherent in military service.  

"The decision to offer the ranch to the Wounded Warrior Project was easy after hearing about the mission of the organization," said Anne Skipper, Wildcatter's owner and general manager.  "Our gift of a week at the ranch is small in comparison to the sacrifice the veterans make for our country.  It is an honor to spend time with each and every veteran and to see them begin to heal while they are with us.  My staff and I look forward to Project Odyssey every year. Our community has embraced the warriors and we all are better for our involvement."

Activities at Wildcatter include horseback riding, canoeing and other activities that develop self-confidence and improve mental attitudes while taking full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings of the 1,500-acre resort in Graham, Texas.  Warriors also benefit from group activities that encourage peer support and provide the opportunity to forge the close bonds they have not had since they left their units.

VA Readjustment Counseling Service staff has partnered with WWP for Project Odyssey. Vet Center staff are present to support the therapeutic components of the program.  Private and group sessions with Vet Center counselors and staff are held throughout the time at the ranch.  These activities allow veterans to continue the counseling process in an atmosphere of trust and understanding without the fear or stigma often associated with mental health issues.  

Due to the sensitive and personal nature of this topic, media will only be allowed at selected times.  Please call Ayla Hay at (904) 296-7350 for more information.

For more information on Wildcatter Ranch & Resort, call (888) GO2WCRR (888-462-9277) or (940) 549-3500.  Information is also available by visiting Wildcatter's Web site, www.wildcatterranch.com.  For photography, contact Tucker & Associates at (214) 252-0900.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, apolitical organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project