It's already that time of year… kids preparing to go back to school.
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is helping out, inviting warrior families in Jacksonville to gather and gear up, free of charge.
Along with pens and No. 2 pencils, injured veterans and their families collected markers, highlighters, notebook paper, and everything they need to be ready to succeed in school.
"I am unable to work because of my spinal injury," Matthew Brooks said. The Army veteran suffered serious injuries while deployed in Afghanistan in 2011. "It is nice to know we have an organization as awesome as Wounded Warrior Project to back us and help provide for our family."
While Matthew welcomed the supplies, he also enjoyed the time spent with other wounded veterans.
"Our kids appreciated the pizza and school gear. We also met a few families, which was nice."
"I always leave WWP program events having met someone new and learned something original," Marine Corps. veteran Kyle Taylor said.
WWP's new CEO Mike Linnington and his wife Brenda also stopped by to greet the group.
"Linking warriors, their families, and our community together to help children prepare for the start of the school year was an enjoyable event," Mike and Brenda said. "Warriors and their families have sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy as Americans, and it was wonderful to bring smiles to the faces of their children".
WWP staff took time during the gathering to talk about the free programs and services provided to warriors, their families, and caregivers.
"My wife and I didn't know all of the services available to us, we learned about other ways WWP is there for my healing," Matthew said.
WWP supports immediate and long-term recovery of injured warriors through programs and services that focus on their mental and physical health. These programs help get warriors out of their homes through engaging, fun opportunities and create new support structures. Warriors are also able to bond with other veterans.
"Wounded Warrior Project means a lot to my family and me," Matthew said. "We know WWP is there to help us along our path."
"It's nice to be a part of WWP. They not only care for and help warriors, but help the families as well," Kyle said. woundedwarriorproject.org.
