Veterans Charity Brings Warriors and Families to Explore Old Village

STURBRIDGE, Mass., June 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Injured veterans and their families recently explored a living-history museum during a Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connection event. Old Sturbridge Village depicts daily life in Massachusetts in the early 1800s.

"I loved this trip to Old Sturbridge Village with my son, Max," said Army veteran Ekaterina Olchevski. "He tried a two-man handsaw, and it wasn't as easy as he thought. Also, it's a big plus to be surrounded by other veterans who understand what I've been through."

"It's easier when you're with other warriors," said National Guard veteran Jesse Vautour. "You can let your guard down enough to enjoy the day with your family. Honestly, it was great seeing all the smiling faces when families got involved with old-timey activities like making candles."

WWP connects warriors with one another, their families, and communities. It serves warriors through lifesaving programs and services targeting mental and physical health, career and benefits counseling, and support for the most severely wounded.

"We really had a great time walking from house to house on the museum grounds, even in the rain," Jesse said. "Old Sturbridge Village really put on a great show, topping it off with a 19th century meal and music."

Warriors talked with historians in costume and toured antique buildings, water-powered mills, and a working farm.

"Events like this give me something to do where I feel comfortable and fit in," said Army National Guard veteran John Johnson.

Isolation is one of the most significant struggles wounded warriors deal with after serving their country. It can be difficult knowing how to overcome that challenge and rekindle bonds similar to those formed in the military.

"Wounded Warrior Project is a life-changing organization," Ekaterina said. "I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for them."

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