ASF hosted the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) for our fourth Project Odyssey in May. This group included about a dozen male warriors from across the country, Vet Center therapists, and WWP staff. Project Odyssey is a program for warriors recovering from traumatic brain injuries and combat stress. It includes week-long outdoor activity, group interaction and sharing, and the support of various staff and volunteers.
During these Project Odysseys, we are often reminded of our ASF mission to provide life-changing experiences. We often witness real life-changing experiences at these events as these warriors explore new activities, bond with those around them, and form new perspectives that may help them in their civilian lives.
The life-changing experiences of Project Odysseys are often also felt by family members after the events as the warriors return to home in a better frame-of-mind. One of the May Project Odyssey participants from Washington recently wrote, “My wife and kids would like to thank you for taking good care of me when I was with you in New York. I did learn a lot from you and it gave me meaning to keep going forward and not give up. I did enjoy and will not forget all the memorable moments and knowing that there are people out there who care about me. I’m struggling but will keep going forward instead of staying in place, because I think my family needs me to be there for them. I can’t find better words to explain how to thank you and appreciate what you do for us. Thank you and God bless you all and bless America.”
With this group in May, we went biking, fly-fishing, and horseback riding. Thanks to our volunteers and to those organizations providing support: Windham Mountain Outfitters, the Orvis Shop at Hunter and Trout Unlimited, Bailiwick Ranch, Brandywine Restaurant, the Platte Cove Community, Windham Mountain, and Mike Tarbell from the Iroquois Museum in Cobleskill, NY.
We are grateful to be a part of WWP’s Project Odyssey program. Our next Project Odyssey event is August; it is WWP’s first Odyssey for warriors and their caregiving family members.