Wounded Warrior Project Connects Veterans During Feral Hog Hunt

DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Marine Corps veteran Jeremiah Shock patiently sat – eyeing his target and lining up his shot – before squeezing the trigger on a recent Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) outing.

"I took my breaths, slowed my heart rate, cleared my mind, and then looked one final time as I pulled the trigger," Jeremiah said.

He brought down a 170-pound feral hog outside of Dallas. WWP took Jeremiah and other warriors to not only hunt but also gather with other veterans. Warriors spent time with game wardens and a group of volunteers that shadowed each veteran to help with the hunt.

"Seeing Wounded Warrior Project, game wardens, several companies, and families donate time, land, and equipment to help disabled veterans feel normal and forget about their issues was a real highlight," said Army veteran Johnny Phillips. Johnny bagged a 200-pound hog.

"All the volunteers who came out of their way made us feel like we had no limitations," said Marine Corps veteran Leonardo Gallardo.

Connecting with other veterans is important. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues.

"I met several warriors like me who I can relate to," said Marine Corps veteran Wes Adair. "These guys are life-long friends that I may not have ever met had it not been for Wounded Warrior Project events like this."

Volunteers stripped the hogs so Jeremiah and Johnny could take the meat home.

"My son helped me further break down the meat at home, clearing away fat and bone," Jeremiah said. "It turned into a great bonding experience."

"Wounded Warrior Project means a lot to me," Leonardo said. "It gives me a different point of view in life and shows me I can do anything with my disability. It's a reminder that each and every day I improve in every way."

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/ and click on multimedia.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project