By Wounded Warrior Project, Special for USDR
By the time Berge Zobayan finished his third hot dog at a recent San Diego Padres-Texas Rangers game, the Army veteran felt the need to “balance” it out.
So he ate a salad.
A recent gathering of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) veterans and their families at the Major League Baseball game was a great opportunity to enjoy America’s pastime and camaraderie at the same time.
“I’m a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, but I enjoyed every bit of being at the ballpark around other warriors,” Berge said. “It can be overwhelming being around big crowds, but I was very relaxed spending the day with other veterans.”
Activities like going to a ballgame and socializing with other veterans can help wounded veterans cope with stress and emotional concerns. In a WWP survey of the injured warriors it serves, more than half of survey respondents (51.7 percent) talked with fellow veterans to address their mental health issues.
Although Marine veteran Joshua Briwder isn’t a baseball fan, he appreciated the opportunity to connect with other wounded warriors.
“When I’m around other veterans, it helps me feel comfortable,” Joshua said. “Talking with them and making new friends helps me build relationships. I really enjoyed the baseball setting and being with other warriors.”
WWP program events give wounded warriors an opportunity to experience firsthand what is possible at social gatherings that get them out of the house and connect them with fellow service members and their communities.
“It means a lot to have these kinds of events because it’s an effective way to meet other veterans,” Berge said.
And it’s a great excuse to eat three hot dogs.
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
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