Wounded Warriors Find Independence in Recovery By Alex Balbir, Wounded Warrior Project Independence Services and Warrior Care Network Director
Independence Day is a time for us to celebrate the birth of our nation, as much as it is to express our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices paid by our heroes on land, sea, and air to defend our rights. Just as the lure of independence and personal freedom inspired our founding fathers to fight for the right to live life as they saw fit, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) strives to impart that same confident, independent thought process when it comes to warriors’ recovery. We stand ready to help veterans of this generation adapt to their new mission of living a fulfilling life. Warriors’ new missions of recovery call for just as much dedication, drive, and endurance as the endeavors these brave souls undertook during their military service. Some people only need a slight push in the right direction to successfully transition back to civilian life and careers. When given a chance and the right mental and physical recovery tools and techniques, warriors can achieve their independence goals. WWP encourages all sorts of activities for warrior recovery, including creative events, as well as participation in adaptive sports such as biking, basketball, hockey, and skiing.
Independence Program Shines Light on Path to Recovery WWP’s Independence Program helps warriors suffering from spinal cord injury, neurological conditions, or moderate to severe brain injury by developing an individualized recovery plan that works for them, their caregivers, and their families. The program pairs severely injured veterans with specialists who ease them back into the community and help them relearn essential life skills. We recognize that every journey is different, and every warrior has a positive future to look forward to. The story of one warrior’s determined journey toward independence comes to mind as a shining example. I would like to share Erik and his family’s story of sacrifice and courage with you for inspiration on our country’s 242nd birthday.
While willing to take on physical activities and adaptive sports as part of achieving independence in recovery, some of the most seriously injured warriors cannot. In many cases, warriors must relearn how to move muscles and how to communicate. They require a more detailed plan of action to find their personal path to recovery — something they can do through WWP’s Independence Program.
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HOMELAND / July 2018
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