Injured Service Members and Their Families Participate In Family Fun for a Day

HENDERSON, Nev., April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Neon balls, tiny bridges, and clown decor were on the agenda recently for a group of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Alumni and their families during Family Day at King Putt Entertainment Center in Henderson, Nevada.

The WWP Alumni program is one of 20 direct programs and services offered to injured service members, their families, and caregivers – free of charge. In the transition to civilian life, isolation is a major challenge combat veterans face. One goal of WWP programming is to provide wounded veterans with gatherings that offer the opportunity for bonding and camaraderie, where experiences are shared with those who have endured similar challenges. In the healing and recovery process, these opportunities are vital.

"The event went wonderfully! Our family enjoys events like this," said family support member Michelle Bassett who attended the event with her husband, WWP Alumnus and Army veteran, James Bassett. "We arrived early, and WWP staff greeted us with a kind smile and conversation."

In addition to intense rounds of black light golf and laser tag, Alumni and their families enjoyed pizza. The full day of family fun also included game cards for kids so they could explore all that the entertainment center had to offer.

"My husband, my kids, and I all played mini golf and it was so much fun!" said Michelle. "My husband James and our sons ducked out and played laser tag. After laser tag, we ate some pizza and then all went out to the arcade area and played for a while. We participated in all activities!"

All of the activities offered Alumni and family support members the opportunity for lighthearted fun, laughs, and friendly competition that allowed attendees to relax for the day and learn about WWP programs and services.

Michelle got the chance to learn more about the Independence Program (IP), as she met other Alumni and family support members at the fun family outing.

"I am going to try to get my husband enrolled in the Independence Program," Michelle continued. "Learning about this life-saving program was a big deal to me and I'm really hoping it's something my husband can be involved in."

For Michelle, like many Alumni and family support members, a foremost ideal WWP represents is support. WWP provides resources for injured service members to transition successfully into civilian life while building personalized support systems that help them face daily challenges. "Support for your injuries, support for your struggles, and support for your family," Michelle said. "I never thought my husband would be an Alumni, but now here we are. Thanks to the support of WWP, I am starting to find my husband again."

The Independence Program (IP) is designed to help warriors live life to the fullest, on their own terms. IP is designed for wounded, injured, and ill veterans who rely on caregivers because of moderate to severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions. Additionally, the warrior's cognitive and/or physical challenges may limit his or her opportunity to access resources and activities in his or her own community – the Independence Program helps break down these barriers.

As of February 2016, 915 WWP Alumni and family support members are enrolled in IP. For more information, go to: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/independence-program.aspx.

"I appreciate everything Wounded Warrior Project does for us. WWP gave my children back the father they had before he went overseas – not the man who came back," Michelle said.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project