Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) serves more than 100,000 injured veterans of this generation, and thousands more register each month. The number of warriors served is a significant testament to the growing needs of wounded veterans.
“It is our sacred obligation to honor and empower Wounded Warriors every minute of every day,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “Filling the gaps in coverage is essential for their roads to recovery. Thanks to generous donors, we are able to help meet that need through programs and services that help with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, long-term care for the most seriously wounded, and warrior and family connection events tailored to each warrior’s specific needs – free of charge.”
WWP started in a Virginia basement in 2003 with the goal of providing comfort to injured men and women as they returned from war. Thousands of backpacks have been delivered to hospital bedsides, providing clothing, toiletries, and other relief items over the past 14 years.
WWP connects warriors to other veterans and their communities through warrior-to-warrior peer support groups, community service projects, and outreach events. It serves these men and women with free, life-saving programs and services that are made possible through generous donations from the American public. These opportunities empower warriors to live life on their terms, mentor other veterans in need, and serve as productive members of their communities.
WWP has grown to meet the evolving needs of injured veterans, adding innovative programs to encourage warriors to connect with one another and their communities. In 2016 alone, more than 144,000 warriors took part in connection events in communities in all 50 states. Additionally, WWP expanded mental and physical health efforts through programs like the Mind-Body Connection pilot program that migrates all-female and all-male groups through its mental health workshops and physical health and wellness expos together. WWP also increased advocacy by working closer with Congress and boosted career and benefits counseling for warriors.
In 2016, WWP career and benefits counseling resulted in more than $175 million in economic impact to warriors and their families.
To learn and see more about how WWP’s programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit the WWP newsroom. Find photos from events by clicking on multimedia.
