Wounded Warrior Project Teaches Veterans Lawn Maintenance Skills

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The secret to a beautiful yard is having the right tools to keep it well-maintained – so it only stands to reason that those supplies should also stay maintained. During a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) program workshop, injured veterans received hands-on training for taking care of and repairing lawn equipment, including mowers and sprinklers.

"I am actually incompetent with do-it-yourself projects," admitted Marine veteran Ethan Decker. "But I like taking any type of class where I have the chance to better myself."

These fun outreach activities support the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Moreover, participants can take part in program gatherings that are tailored to accommodate both physical injuries and social anxieties. Encouraging wounded warriors to recapture that military spirit with their peers decreases the potential for isolation.

One such opportunity to reduce isolation is the WWP Peer Support program. Peer support plays a significant role in the recovery process as injured veterans rely upon each other's learned experiences when managing day-to-day challenges. All WWP programs and services have an aspect of this support structure, while the Peer Support program is solely dedicated to ensuring every wounded warrior, family member, and caregiver encourages one another in recovery, thus embodying the WWP logo of one warrior carrying another off the battlefield.

"These outings give me something to do that isn't drinking and wasting time," Ethan said. "It's a productive way to get like-minded people together to focus on something other than the mundane personal issues or problems at home, even if it's just for a short time."

WWP staff members closely interacted with attendees during the workshop, advising them of additional services that can assist their recoveries. The generosity of donors allows the programs and services to be available to injured veterans at no cost to them.

"When I get out to these gatherings, I can have a good experience," Ethan said. "If I stay at home, I don't have any experiences at all. When you push yourself to be open to new ideas and events, you can learn new things, meet new people and get out of the house. It is something that can truly help you keep a positive outlook."  

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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160922/410819

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project