WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT CONNECTS, SERVES, AND EMPOWERS.

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1 WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT CONNECTS, SERVES, AND EMPOWERS. As a medic for the National Guard in Iraq, Dan Smee was often the first person to treat warriors after injury. One particular warrior who he treated had lost his leg, and the memories of the incident had always troubled Dan. He turned to alcohol to combat his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and feelings of guilt. After connecting with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Dan learned the warrior who had his leg amputated didn t blame him for his situation instead, he credited Dan with saving his life. It was the turning point that Dan says empowered him and helped him move forward in life. Today, Dan gives back by serving other warriors through his current position with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). H We connect warriors, their families, and caregivers to peers, programs, and communities to ensure they have a network of support. H We serve these groups through free mental and physical health and wellness programs, career and benefits counseling, and by providing ongoing support for the most severely injured. H We empower warriors to live life on their own terms, mentor fellow veterans and service members, and embody the WWP logo by carrying one another on a path toward recovery. WWP serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, Family members of these warriors are also eligible for free WWP programs and services. Visit woundedwarriorproject.org for more information about all of our programs. WOUNDED WARRIOR DAN SMEE

2 We all share a common ground, and we can use it as a starting point to better our lives. WOUNDED WARRIOR CARLOS DE LEÓN (CENTER) WWP CONNECTS WARRIORS with people who understand their needs. During military service, warriors form bonds with one another that are as strong as family ties. WWP helps to re-form those relationships by providing wounded warriors opportunities to connect with one another through community events and veteran support groups. In addition, we also provide easy access to local and national resources through outreach efforts and with the help of partners. H THE ALUMNI PROGRAM offers warriors registered with WWP known as Alumni opportunities to get to know other warriors, family members, and caregivers in their communities through an array of community-building events. H THE WWP RESOURCE CENTER helps wounded warriors, their family members, and caregivers connect with programs and services to meet their needs. H WWP PEER SUPPORT GROUPS are led by and designed for warriors who want to discuss personal challenges and lend support to one another. H OPERATION OUTREACH provides a personal connection between WWP, warriors, their family members, and caregivers through monthly phone calls and information about helpful resources. H COMMUNITY PARTNERS are local and national organizations that work with WWP to provide vital resources and services to meet warriors needs in their local communities. H POLICY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS works to understand warriors needs and advocate on their behalf in Washington, DC.

3 MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS help warriors with PTSD, TBI, and other invisible wounds of war. This generation s signature wounds of war can t be seen. WWP offers warriors and their families programs and services that help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), combat stress, and other invisible injuries. WWP helps warriors set and achieve mental health goals by providing effective tools and ensuring a fully supportive community and family environment. H WARRIOR CARE NETWORK provides world-class, outpatient mental health care to warriors and their families at no cost, healing the invisible wounds of war. H THE COMBAT STRESS RECOVERY PROGRAM (CSRP) addresses the mental health needs of warriors returning home from war. CSRP teammates provide ongoing assistance to help set and achieve goals and gain access to resources. The first steps on a journey toward recovery are critical. H PROJECT ODYSSEY is a multi-day, adventure-based event that provides warriors with new tools to help with combat stress, PTSD, and other invisible wounds of war. The experiences gained during Project Odyssey not only improve mental and emotional health, but also help warriors recharge and rediscover themselves. H WWP TALK is a helpline for wounded warriors, family members, and caregivers that provides emotional support over the telephone. Participants schedule weekly phone calls to speak with the same helpline support member, developing an ongoing relationship and a safe, non-judgmental outlet to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences. [Project Odyssey] helped me realize I wasn t crazy. It was empowering, and it was a real turning point for me. WOUNDED WARRIOR TANIKI RICHARD

4 You don t get help until you ask for help, and there are people out there who care. Don t give up on yourself. Take those positive steps today. WOUNDED WARRIOR DAVID GUZMAN PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS encourage warriors to get active, lose weight, and live healthy again. When wounded warriors commit to making a positive change in their physical recovery, WWP is ready to help. Goal-setting, coaching, skill-building, physical training, cycling, and other opportunities provide the resources warriors need to make longterm changes toward a healthy life. H PHYSICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS facilitates opportunities that offer warriors the ability to learn and practice healthy behaviors and habits. Offerings include monthly physical activity sessions, monthly fitness challenges, online education, fitness clinics, and various community-based opportunities. H SOLDIER RIDE is a unique, four-day opportunity for warriors to use cycling and camaraderie to overcome physical, mental, or emotional wounds. SOLDIER RIDE PITTSBURGH

5 CAREER & BENEFITS COUNSELING helps warriors take the first step toward financial success. Financial stability is the cornerstone of a thriving recovery. If a warrior isn t financially stable, it s difficult to focus on anything else. WWP provides Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) benefits claims assistance to ease the process of receiving the benefits warriors are owed. We also provide career services to help warriors secure rewarding civilian careers. H BENEFITS SERVICE helps warriors obtain the military benefits they earned and ensures that they have the information and resources necessary to achieve financial stability for themselves and their families. H WARRIORS TO WORK provides career services to help warriors secure rewarding civilian careers, including resumewriting assistance, interview coaching, and more. WOUNDED WARRIOR LISA CRUTCH Unfortunately, in too many instances, veterans spend months looking for work after separation [from the military]. The Warriors to Work program bridges that gap and matches veterans with employers. WOUNDED WARRIOR BILL JONES

6 THE INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM helps the most severely injured warriors live life to the fullest potential. The most severely injured warriors often need specialized care and services. When the government can t cover what the warrior needs, WWP is there. We help ensure these warriors receive the support they need to succeed and live an empowered life. H THE INDEPENDENCE PROGRAM uses the combined efforts of the warrior, family member or caregiver, a treatment team, and community-support professionals to help the warrior reach his or her goals and to thrive in the most independent and meaningful way possible. WWP hired a tutor for Shane to continue his speech therapy. I couldn t believe WWP was going to foot the bill. And Shane has done so well. It s amazing. CINDY PARSONS, CAREGIVER FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR SHANE PARSONS WOUNDED WARRIOR JASON EHRHART WITH HIS MOTHER AND CAREGIVER PAM ESTES