Veterans Charity Connects Warriors and Families with a Taste of Subtropical Paradise

HOMESTEAD, Fla., June 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) invited injured veterans and their families to sample nature's finest at historic Fruit and Spice Park, which boasts more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices, and nuts from around the world. 

"I'm always looking for new things to learn and opportunities to spend time with veterans," said Army veteran Edwin Asencio. "Our guide was very knowledgeable about the park and of the foods we sampled."

"It was a nice opportunity to meet other veterans and their families in a relaxed setting," said Army and Army Reserve veteran Eliot Winokur. "My wife, Irene, and I lived in Puerto Rico for 16 winters and love tropical fruit. Sampling the fruit on the tour brought back great memories."

Warriors and guests tasted several of the in-season fruits directly off the tree and enjoyed an in-house tasting. The Pakistan mulberry, which tastes like a blend of raspberry and blackberry, was one of the unique berries the group sampled.

Activities like park tours and socializing with other veterans can help injured warriors cope with stress and emotional concerns. In a WWP survey (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/survey) of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.6 percent) expressed they talk with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues.

"Wounded Warrior Project's awesome programs bring veterans together and out of their depression and homes," Edwin said.

"I joined Wounded Warrior Project two years ago when I realized I was eligible," Eliot said. "I have some medical conditions based on breathing in the contaminated air at Ground Zero right after 9/11. I'm probably one of their oldest warriors — I'll be 74 next month. I'm a retired social work officer, and I enjoy meeting other warriors and providing a senior perspective, if asked."

WWP has been connecting, serving, and empowering wounded warriors for 15 years. To learn more, visit http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project