Families Connect at Wounded Warrior Project Hiawatha Beach Weekend

WALKER, Minn., June 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Larry Jacobson's idea of a "small way to do something" involved bringing an entire community together and opening the doors to his lakeside camp to Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) veterans and their families for a weekend.

The fifth annual Hiawatha Beach Weekend recently brought families together at picturesque Leech Lake. Guided fishing tours, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, boating, horseback riding, hiking trails, bicycling, golf, and swimming were available – all in a relaxing setting that allowed veterans to connect with other warriors and nature.

The Jacobson family blocked the weekend that starts the summer season for veterans and their families. People and local businesses in and around town donated food, gift cards, and their time to show their encouragement for the recovery of warriors with visible and invisible wounds. Twelve local fishing guides gave up business during the opening week of the season to take families on the lake.

"It makes you feel good to know the sacrifices we've made are appreciated," Army Reserve veteran Forrest Pryde said. "I really do think the town gets as much out of it as we do. What I like is connecting with other veterans, building on our bonds."

Thanks to generous donors, WWP programs and services are offered free of charge to warriors, their caregivers, and families, and they assist with mental health, physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, connecting warriors with one another and their communities, and long-term care for the most seriously wounded.

Larry started making Cabin 9 available to veterans on weekends 10 years ago. In 2013, he decided to offer his entire camp in what's become his family's favorite event of the year.

"We are so in debt to our service members," Larry said. "We can't repay that debt. We have a deep appreciation for people who give so much. It's a small way we can do something for them."

The attendees enjoyed the overwhelming displays of gratitude.

"I can't tell you how good it felt to walk down the street with your Wounded Warrior Project shirt on and to have people come up to you and say, 'thank you' and shake your hand," Forrest said. "You really felt respected."

To read more, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/Families-Connect-at-Wounded-Warrior-Project-Hiawatha-Beach-Weekend.

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