Since its inception in 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has honored and empowered veterans by helping them transition back to civilian life. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, WWP is highlighting the stories of more than a dozen wounded warriors who have benefited from its services. Let’s look at two of those stories.
Chris Gordon
Chris Gordon lost his right leg after an explosion threw him and a fellow soldier from an armored vehicle while their unit was on patrol in Iraq. When he woke up, he had been transported to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC.
Gordon, who also needed a titanium rod implanted in his left leg, describes the experience as the “toughest time in my life.” It was during this period that WWP reached out and provided him with comfort items.
For Gordon, the support he received from WWP was meaningful. Once he had learned to use his prosthetic leg, he continued to benefit from WWP by participating in athletic activities organized by the nonprofit.
Being physically active with fellow injured veterans taught Gordon how much he was still capable of doing. Today, he continues to take advantage of WWP’s programs, which have him given him the opportunity to play sports, travel to new places, and connect with other wounded warriors. The nonprofit remains a big part of his life, and with its help, he has continued to move in a positive direction following his injury.
Yomari Cruz
Yomari Cruz’s pride in deploying to Afghanistan as a member of the Army was shaken when her base was attacked less than 10 minutes after she first set foot on it. More attacks from enemy combatants followed, and when she discovered that a fellow solider had recorded her taking a shower, she sadly learned she could not trust everyone who was supposed to be on her side.
The trauma left her in constant fear and overcome with feelings of betrayal. After she medically retired in 2012, she continued to struggle. Along with being angry and fearful, she was unable to connect with others. Her relationships with family and friends crumbled.
Her path to recovery began when a fellow veteran invited her to a WWP event. Realizing that there were others out there who empathized with her was life-changing, and she went on to participate in other WWP events. Through these, she built a support system of veterans who have become like family to her.
Cruz’s experience with WWP was so positive that she decided to give back. As a volunteer warrior leader, she organizes WWP events and creates opportunities for veterans to connect. She’s thankful that WWP has taught her the value of supporting others and says that seeing the gratitude of her fellow wounded warriors is “definitely rewarding.”