WEEKI WACHEE, Fla: Environmentally conscious injured veterans recently scoured the banks and tributaries of the Weeki Wachee River for debris with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This effort is tied to a broader, statewide River Cleanup of Florida campaign designed to protect Florida's waterways and communities.
The gathering served as an opportunity for wounded warriors to connect with their community while feeling empowered through helping others.
"Wounded Warrior Project has helped me and my family do things together," said Navy veteran Jason Lowe. "It has given us the time to relax, make new friends, and enjoy life again."
Jason felt the event was adventurous, but also very calming. "I loved my time out on the water and wish it could have been longer," he said. "It's a beautiful river, and it needs to be cleaned up more often."
As warriors paddled kayaks on the placid waters, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the river and even spotted a few manatees. They also stopped to pick up garbage polluting the riverbeds.
"I enjoyed the camaraderie of coming together as a community in support of bettering our ecosystem," said Army veteran Edgar Marquis. "I look forward to helping again in the future."
WWP program gatherings offer settings that provide opportunities for injured veterans to form bonds with one another and their communities. WWP also serves warriors by focusing on mental and physical health and wellness, financial wellness, independence, government relations, and community relations and partnerships.
"It was a great event, and I loved the scenery," said National Guard veteran Kevin Williamson. "I would recommend everyone spend some time on the river."
Generous donors make it possible for wounded warriors to take part in connection activities and benefit from program resources at no cost to 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.
