A national group that helps injured veterans made a visit to the Valley today.
The Wounded Warrior Project focuses on post 9-11 service men and women who were injured overseas. On Tuesday, ISU did their part to help those vets recover and transition back to civilian life.
"And have the most empowered group of veterans that this country's ever seen," said Jacqueline Kelley, physical health and wellness coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Project:
That's the motto of the Wounded Warrior Project, and on Tuesday, 15 vets gathered at ISU's Field Campus to see that come to life.
"My gosh what a perfect fit," said facilities manager and ISU professor Don Rogers. "We're located in a great spot to pull people from this region, and it has all the facilities that you'd need out here."
From fishing and recreation to riding specially-designed bicycles for people with disabilities, and even the more adventurous activities- like a high climb and zip line.
"People are challenging themselves, they're doing thing that they might not normally be comfortable with. And they're doing it with other veterans that have experienced a lot of the same things that they have and they kind of get that comradery that they used to have while they were serving in the military," said Kelley.
Rogers added, "They're struggling with jobs, they're struggling with their families, and one of the things that the Wounded Warriors Program is trying to do is enhance their connection back into their community, back in their families and stay connected with other veterans who understand what they've been through."
While it's fun in the sun, it also gives vets a unique bonding time - with others who understand their pain.
"People are much more comfortable when they're in a leisure or recreation setting," said Kelley. "You can just bond with one another and you're not feeling like you have to be scripted or talking on cue."
And while they may have come in as strangers, they're leaving as much more. "Today's just the start and hopefully we can continue to plan more programs from here on out."
An ISU class and members of the football team volunteered their time to help facilitate the recreation day.
For more information on the Wounded Warriors Project, click here.
The Wounded Warrior Project focuses on post 9-11 service men and women who were injured overseas. On Tuesday, ISU did their part to help those vets recover and transition back to civilian life.
"And have the most empowered group of veterans that this country's ever seen," said Jacqueline Kelley, physical health and wellness coordinator for the Wounded Warrior Project:
That's the motto of the Wounded Warrior Project, and on Tuesday, 15 vets gathered at ISU's Field Campus to see that come to life.
"My gosh what a perfect fit," said facilities manager and ISU professor Don Rogers. "We're located in a great spot to pull people from this region, and it has all the facilities that you'd need out here."
From fishing and recreation to riding specially-designed bicycles for people with disabilities, and even the more adventurous activities- like a high climb and zip line.
"People are challenging themselves, they're doing thing that they might not normally be comfortable with. And they're doing it with other veterans that have experienced a lot of the same things that they have and they kind of get that comradery that they used to have while they were serving in the military," said Kelley.
Rogers added, "They're struggling with jobs, they're struggling with their families, and one of the things that the Wounded Warriors Program is trying to do is enhance their connection back into their community, back in their families and stay connected with other veterans who understand what they've been through."
While it's fun in the sun, it also gives vets a unique bonding time - with others who understand their pain.
"People are much more comfortable when they're in a leisure or recreation setting," said Kelley. "You can just bond with one another and you're not feeling like you have to be scripted or talking on cue."
And while they may have come in as strangers, they're leaving as much more. "Today's just the start and hopefully we can continue to plan more programs from here on out."
An ISU class and members of the football team volunteered their time to help facilitate the recreation day.
For more information on the Wounded Warriors Project, click here.
