The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when a group of veterans and brothers decided that wounded service members returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan military campaigns deserved more than just brass bands and ticker tape parades. They created the Wounded Warrior Project’s Warrior Pack program as a tangible way to show support for the warriors and a way to help them on the road to recovery. Wounded Warrior Backpacks contain essential care and comfort items including clothing, toiletries, calling card, CD player, and playing cards, all designed to make their hospital stay more comfortable. They are provided to severely wounded service members arriving at military trauma centers.

Other WWP programs include (content taken from www.woundedwarriorproject.org):

Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project - The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between the Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA to provide year-round sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and the global war on terrorism.

TRACK - In August 2008, WWP launched TRACK to offer wounded warriors an integrated approach to address long-term needs for education and training, advocacy, and secondary rehabilitative care for the MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. This unique program offers participants a range of college preparatory classes and services customized to their needs, helping them build career skills, train in veterans’ advocacy, and continue recovery toward a more independent life. The wounded warriors attend college classes as a group, with the ability to draw from their shared experiences.

Operation Outreach - Through WWP’s outreach program, our goal is to personally touch the lives of every individual who has been severely injured during the global war on terror. During the first year of the program, we will be hiring a mobile outreach team of approximately 25 wounded warriors as summer interns to visit communities across America and personally meet with injured service members in that region and build a metaphorical equivalent of a Front Porch. During the visits, the warriors will provide information about WWP’S programs and events, benefits, and education and employment programs available, as well as other information pertinent to injured service members. Most importantly, the visits will provide a place of healing, where veterans can receive the support and encouragement they need to move forward. Active outreach programs are critical to ensuring that this generation of veterans does not fall victim to the homelessness, unemployment, and substance abuse that Vietnam veterans faced during their transition back into civilian life.

Warriors to Work - Warriors to Work program helps individuals recovering from severe injuries received in the line of duty connect with the support and resources they need to build a career in the civilian workforce. It can be tough to transition into civilian life. It’s even tougher to adjust to life after a serious injury.