R E P O R T

ISSUE NO. 1 2016

THE HEALING POWER OF THE OPEN ROAD PG 8

RIDING STRONGER

AIMING HIGH PG 4 PREPARING FOR THE PARALYMPICS PG 14 MORE THAN A GAME PG 15

Dear Alumni:

At Wounded Warrior Project, we understand that truly honoring and empowering Wounded Warriors is a collective effort. We are proud to team with other organizations — for-profit and nonprofit alike — and offer peer support to ensure a community of assistance for injured veterans, their families, and caregivers.

In this edition of After Action Report, you can find out how some Alumni have answered the call of the open road and use motorcycle riding to help combat the invisible wounds of war.

You’ll get a glimpse of the teamwork between WWP and organizations like the National Football League (NFL). The NFL not only supports wounded service members through monetary donations, but also partners with WWP on Physical Health & Wellness events that provide warriors an inside look at team facilities and practices.

We also partner with nonprofits that share our values and support our mission. For instance, if you or a friend are living with a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you’ll want to read about how we’re teaming with SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The partnership ensures wounded veterans and their families have the support they need and deserve during the rehabilitation process.

Something from which I draw inspiration is the WWP Alumni who take the initiative to get back out into

their communities and help others. You’ll meet Tim McDonough, who gives back as a peer mentor for his fellow veterans. Another Alumnus, Mark Lalli, shares how volunteering and participating in equine therapy allows him to help others while improving his communication skills. Then there’s Steven Peace, who found a way to help others through cycling lessons as he trains in the hopes of qualifying for his second Paralympic Games.

If you’re seeking encouragement from a fellow warrior, Carlos De León provides just that in his heartfelt letter detailing how WWP helped him overcome anxiety and prepare for life outside the military. De León urges his fellow veterans to live the WWP logo — transitioning from the warrior on top, seeking support, to the warrior on the bottom, carrying fellow service members forward.

Whether finding your own sense of peace or rediscovering brotherhood as the sound of a motorcycle calms your mind, or volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about, I encourage you to find a way to live the logo.

Sincerely,

Anthony OdiernoCaptain, U.S. Army, Retired Wounded Warrior Project Board ChairProud WWP Alumnus

FEATURES

AIMING HIGHRead Tim McDonough’s story of struggle turned to hope. See how he's helping fellow service members as a WWP peer support group leader. PAGE 4

THE HEALING POWER OF THE OPEN ROADSee why some warriors feel riding a motorcycle is a great form of therapy. PAGE 8

PREPARING FOR THE PARALYMPICSLearn how Soldier Ride® gave Steven Peace, a Paralympic competitor, the jump-start he needed. PAGE 14

MORE THAN A GAMEFind out how the NFL's Salute to Service campaign supports our nation's veterans. PAGE 15

Anthony K. OdiernoChair

Guy McMichael IIIVice Chair

Roger C. CampbellSecretary

Justin ConstantineRichard M. Jones Robert Nardelli

WORKING TOGETHER

DEPARTMENTS

woundedwarriorproject.org

For more information about WWP and other veteran resources, email or call us today at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org or 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586).

CONTACT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IN THE COMMUNITY Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has dozens of events going on around the country. Learn how to get involved. PAGE 2

CHARLIE MIKEPaying it forward.PAGE 3

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION WWP teams up with Atlanta's renowned Shepherd Center in the SHARE Military Initiative.PAGE 6

R E P O R T

Check it out: After Action Report is also interactive, with video, exclusive photos, and hyperlinks for instant communication. Visit woundedwarriorproject.org/AAR.

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 1

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

12 | alumni letter4 | warrior profile

3 | charlie mike

15 | MORE THAN A GAME

“ y overall goal is to do as much as I can, for as many people as I can, for as long as I can,” says Mark Lalli.

When Mark joined the U.S. Army in 2002, a week after his 17th birthday, he knew that life would never be the same. Inspired by the 9/11 attacks, Mark understood the risk of putting his life on the line to serve and protect his country.

Even after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and two dozen broken bones while on board a malfunctioning aircraft in 2007, Mark does not have any regrets. Only five of 11 soldiers survived the crash, and he was one of them.

Although Mark now lives with short-term memory loss and some paralysis, he reflects on the incident with gratefulness, as well as hope, remembering his fellow soldiers.

“I was given a chance to live, and I live in their honor.”

After the accident, Mark endured a painful rehab process and often wanted to give up. But, when he learned about Wounded Warrior Project, he quickly realized that being in a wheelchair did not mean he had to place limits on his life.

While attending a WWP barbecue in 2012, Mark was taken on a tour of Quantum Leap Farm, a nonprofit organization that provides equine therapy services for adults and children

with mental and physical disabilities. There, he was able to participate in equine therapy for the first time and has been returning regularly ever since.

His regular visits led to becoming more involved with the farm behind the scenes, and he is now giving back as a board member, year-round volunteer, and in-house photographer for Quantum Leap Farm.

In essence, Mark was able to find his post-military calling.

“This is helping me. (Volunteering at) this farm has helped me find a new mission, helped me find a new passion, helped me find a new way to help and serve others,” he says. The recovery process has taught Mark many things, and he’s thankful for the people who have helped him get where he is today. That process fuels his desire to help others.

“It’s my way of giving back because so many people were there for me after my accident. It also allows me to help people change their overall perspective on things and improve their well-being.”

Gulfport, Mississippi H Alumni, caregivers, and their families enjoyed a fun-filled day interacting with sea creatures at The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.

Wounded Warrior Project has engagement and wellness opportunities all over the country! Learn how to get involved on page 17.

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 32 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

IN THE COMMUNITYCHARLIE MIKE:

PAYING IT FORWARD

Fort Worth, Texas H Alumni enjoyed College GameDay as guests of Coke Zero. They were treated to Section Zero VIP access before the Wisconsin vs. Alabama game.

Chicago, Illinois H Alumni, their families, and guests finished up a weekend of physical health and wellness with a prime viewing spot for the 57th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show.

Chicago, Illinois H WWP Alumni fathers and their daughters participated in a special bonding event.

CENT

RAL R

EGIO

N

MWWP ALUMNUS MARK LALLI

Click here to learn more about Mark. 

4 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

For Wounded Warrior Project Alumnus Tim McDonough, the message is clear: “You don’t have to be on the front line, kicking in doors and shooting at the enemy to be affected by the trauma of war. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is like a demon that takes over your mind and takes over your life.”

Tim dedicated his career in the U.S. Air Force to honoring those who sacrificed their lives, and he vows never to take the gift of freedom for granted.

“I was the flying crew chief of a plane so big you could put an eight-lane bowling alley in it. We carried all kinds of large cargo, armored vehicles, and even other aircraft. But we would also carry home the human remains of warriors killed serving our country.”

The images of those flag-draped caskets still flash through Tim’s mind.

“I knew these guys. They were my friends. We’d have a beer together, share a laugh, talk about how we miss our families, talk about the plans we had for our lives when we got home. There I was, in the sky, bringing them home for the last time. Those experiences make you a changed man.”

When Tim came home, PTSD consumed him.

“I was practically a hermit. I didn’t want to be around people. I didn’t want to leave the house. I had a lot of anger. Here I was with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD ganging up on me, and I was ready to quit and become a statistic.”

But to quit would have meant dishonoring those memories he sought to preserve and honor. Tim says he realized hopelessness would not define him.

“Wounded Warrior Project makes me feel like I’m not alone. You meet warriors with all types of injuries — PTSD, TBI, burns, missing limbs, spine injuries, and numerous physical injuries. They inspire me, because they refuse to have limitations. I’m now living the WWP logo. I was the guy on top being carried. That’s where we all start. Now I’ve come out of my shell to where I can be the warrior carrying another warrior.”

The ripple effect of positive change in Tim’s life reaches far beyond his personal health and wellness. His friends and family have had their lives enhanced by Tim’s emotional healing as well.

“WWP helped me focus on what I can do and not what I can’t do,” says Tim. “My wife Maggie has participated in caregiver events, and my kids have been able to meet other families involved with WWP. We even got to be a

part of the Veterans Day parade in New York City. WWP had my whole family surrounding me on a float, because they wanted us all to know we are here for each other.”

That’s why, for Tim, the next logical step is to give back. He became a WWP peer group leader, helping other veterans connect and engage with each other.

“I want other warriors to feel what I feel — acceptance. I’m involved because I care. We’re all warriors, and we’re all taking care of each other. Leading by example is the best medicine.”

WARRIOR PROFILE

“I’m now living the WWP logo. I was the guy on top being carried. That’s where we all start. Now I’ve come out of my shell to where I can be the warrior carrying another warrior.”

– WWP ALUMNUS TIM MCDONOUGH (LEFT) SPEAKS TO ONE OF HIS PEER MENTEES ON THE ARCHERY RANGE.

AIMING HIGH

WWP ALUMNUS TIM MCDONOUGH

WITH HIS FAMILY

Click here to learn more about Tim. 

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 5

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 76 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

COMMUNITYCOLLABORATION

A hike through the Colorado mountains. Adaptive surfing at the Jersey Shore. A chili cook-off in Minnesota. A trip to NASA in Houston. With events hand-picked by each local team, they‘re

tailored to the region and Alumni needs, while offering insight into WWP programs and offerings. Over the course of four days, Alumni, and in some cases family members, are brought together to participate in events and program briefs focusing on our four pillars: engagement, mind, body, and economic empowerment.

“Alumni Summits are incredible opportunities for camaraderie, information sharing, and fun, for both Alumni and WWP staff. We value the opportunity to spend a few days getting to know some of the Alumni in our region, showing them a good time, and teaching them about all of the amazing programs offered by WWP. For the Alumni, they are not only able to meet and bond with their peers through fun activities and learn about WWP programs, it also offers them an opportunity for open-ended dialogue and direct feedback to WWP program staff,“ says program integration specialist Matthew Wetenkamp.

If you can't commit to four days away, that's OK. Across the nation, WWP teammates put together single-day, and even shorter, events. These offer you the chance to meet other Alumni in your area, as well as to provide you with information about WWP programs and services.

WWP ALUMNI SUMMIT

*This information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.

BMI (Body Mass Index) is the measure of your body fat, based on height and weight. There are four BMI categories that help you assess your health.

A. Multiply your weight by 703

B. Multiply your height by itself (in inches)

C. Divide A by B

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR BMI:

BMI CATEGORIES

Underweight (less than 18.5)

Normal Weight (between 18.5 and 24.9)

Overweight (between 25 and 29.9)

Obese (30 or higher)

BMI (weight in pounds x 703)

(height in inches)2

If your BMI is not what you expected, WWP is here to help. The Physical Health & Wellness (PH&W) program provides expos and summits to educate warriors, family members and caregivers,and to encourage healthy lifestyles. There are cycling, running, fitness, and nutrition initiatives designed to teach and train Alumni, empowering them to get active and improve their overall physical wellness. There are also online programs for those who can't attend in person.

Keep in mind that a BMI greater than 30 could lead to an increased risk of secondary conditions, such as hypertension, coronary disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

For more information on how to calculate your BMI or to learn about additional PH&W programs, contact your local PH&W specialist.

HOMEWORK

The maze of seeking treatment can be intense and confusing when an injured service member returns home from deployment and is learning to live with the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Wounded Warrior Project is proud to support the efforts of Shepherd Center, a private, not-for-profit hospital ranked by “U.S. News & World Report” among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation. The center provides assessments and treatments for servicemen and women living with PTSD and mild to moderate TBI from combat in post-9/11 conflicts. Through its Shaping Hope and Recovery Excellence (SHARE) Military Initiative, Shepherd Center’s dedicated team of medical professionals is giving warriors hope.

SHARE services are provided for service members from all branches of the military at no cost as a result of the support Shepherd Center receives from community donors, such as WWP.

According to the Department of Defense, more than 333,000 service members have been diagnosed with mild TBI since 2000. Many more live with the invisible wounds of war, including PTSD, but don’t self-report or seek treatment.

The SHARE program provides a comprehensive curriculum, specifically tailored to meet the needs of each service member

— including case management, therapy, treatment, education, rehabilitation, peer support, specialized medical services, and life-coaching services. While the length of the program varies on the individual needs of the service member, the average length of stay in the SHARE Military Initiative is approximately three months.

All activities are available in one centralized location and managed by the same medical team to ensure all aspects of a client’s care work in sync with one another.

“My time at SHARE immensely improved my quality of life” is a typical comment SHARE administrators receive on a daily basis from veterans involved in the program. Others include

“I have been able to get out and be more active in the community” and “SHARE gave me my life back.”

If you are interested in learning more about SHARE, please contact the admissions coordinator at 404.603.4314, or visit www.shepherd.org/SHARE

Contact the WWP Resource Center at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org or 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) to get involved.

THE SHARE MILITARY INITIATIVE AT SHEPHERD CENTER

CASE MANAGERS WORK ONE-ON-ONE WITH NEW CLIENTS TO FAMILIARIZE THEM WITH THE PROGRAM ON THEIR FIRST DAY.

COMMUNITY OUTINGS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF SHARE, INCLUDING THIS FLY FISHING THERAPY EXCURSION.

WARRIORS PARTICIPATE IN AN ALUMNI SUMMIT IN COLORADO.

t’s easy to be energized by the mystique of a motorcycle. The ride takes you

places, more than just from point A to point B. It’s an emotional journey. You can

feel as strong as Schwarzenegger or as cool as Springsteen.

Yet, the most riveting thing about the open road to WWP Alumni like Raymond Andalio,

Bill Thomas, and Dan Smee is how it helps them cope with post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD).

Through its partnerships, Wounded Warrior Project helped arrange a surprise delivery

of brand-new motorcycles to several awe-struck WWP Alumni. It was a gift of strength,

freedom, and independence.

COVER STORY

8 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

I

OPENROAD

THE HEALING

“THOSE OF US WHO SUFFER FROM PTSD ARE LOOKING FOR A THRILL, AND MOTORCYCLE RIDING GIVES US THAT THRILL. ALL I THINK ABOUT IS THE MACHINE, WHAT’S IN FRONT OF ME AND WHAT’S BEHIND ME.”

– WWP ALUMNUS BILL THOMAS

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 9

“So many things happen in your brain on a daily basis. Riding takes us places where the end result of the ride will be where the brotherhood happens.”

Raymond describes riding as a personal form of therapy. Fellow WWP Alumnus Bill Thomas agrees and also rejects the PTSD stereotype of the home-alone veteran stewing in a brew of anger, frustration, and self-pity.

A positive outlet

“At first, I swept the idea of PTSD under the rug,” says Bill. “You know, I’m Superman; I’m a police officer; I was in the military. There’s no such thing as weakness in my world, I would tell myself. I fought it for a long time.”

Eventually, Bill admitted the truth to himself, and he went from telling himself “I’m OK” to understanding “I’m broken.” It hasn’t been an easy journey for Bill; however, riding is a positive outlet he cherishes.

“Those of us who suffer from PTSD are looking for a thrill, and motorcycle riding gives us that thrill. All I think about is the machine, what’s in front of me, and what’s behind me. I don’t have to focus on my PTSD symptoms. When I complete my ride, I feel refreshed; I feel like I can deal with my problems a lot better.”

Mention Wounded Warrior Project to Bill in connection with his new motorcycle, and you’d better be prepared to sit back and listen. Get him started, and he can talk all day.

Raymond Andalio howls when he thinks of the moment he was gifted his new bike.

“I was told the gathering I was coming to in Jacksonville was for Peer Mentors. Well, they lied!” Raymond laughs. “It feels just like heaven. Riding makes a huge difference in my life.”

The difference Raymond speaks of can be hard for civilians to understand, but warriors know it all too well. Raymond’s approach to riding is to use it to find healing from the emotional obstacles his combat experiences built within him.

“My transition from military to the civilian world was hard. The morbid thoughts that could easily linger in my brain were only fixed by taking more pills that only made me a useless human being,” remembers Raymond. “Once you get on your bike, it suddenly changes. You don’t think of the horrible situations that you were in. You get to think of where you will be going, who you’re riding with, and how awesome the ride will be.”

Raymond served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years, spending most of that time as a corpsman. In 2003, during a deployment in Iraq, he endured multiple injuries — including respiratory disorders and PTSD. That’s why he understands both the physical and mental challenges many warriors face.

“I ordered a WWP flag that I mounted on the rear license plate area, and I’m so proud to fly that flag because of what WWP means to me and my family. I’m the kind of guy who understands there are no shortcuts to success. You’ve got to think outside the box. WWP helps me do that.”

If it’s in Bill’s nature to praise his bike and his involvement with WWP in the same breath, Dan Smee takes it to another level. He makes the experience sound like another world.

FINDING Freedom

“I’ve always been captivated by the motorcycle lifestyle and the freedom that it entails,” says Dan. “I feel empowered. I can focus on feeling the wind hitting my face, the fresh smells of the open country or ocean spray, observing all the sights and sounds. I just forget about whatever is bothering me. It’s liberating — the sense of freedom that you get with it. The feelings of having no boundaries and the attitude that you can’t fence me in.”

But, most of all, the word Dan uses to pinpoint his feelings about riding with other warriors is “camaraderie.” It’s another way to recapture the bonds of brotherhood.

“They impact my life in a positive way, because they help empower me. They give me the support to connect with other combat veterans who are going through the same things I am. That connection helps me stay grounded and helps keep my PTSD under control.”

Dan echoes Raymond‘s and Bill’s sentiments on the intrusive and destructive thoughts that often penetrate a warrior’s everyday life through PTSD. And just like Dan, they reject its power by embracing more healthy attitudes and positive experiences.

“You are not just those initials — TBI, PTSD, or any other label,” says Dan. “It’s way too easy to get stuck there. The passion for a hobby like riding helps lift you out of

being focused on what’s wrong with you and your life, to what is possible.”

And like his fellow warriors, Dan brings it home in his mind to honor the men and women who didn’t make it back.

“They would want their fellow warrior to be engaged in life, not just going about it defeated, sitting on the sidelines.”

A powerful journey

Raymond Andalio, Bill Thomas, and Dan Smee have all faced more than their share of adversities, in combat and in life. They’ve all had dark moments. They’ve all reached tipping points. And they all made the choice to seek help through the power of common bonds. Riding has provided that outlet.

As Raymond sums it all up: “Hop back in the saddle, and don’t look back!”

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 1110 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

“RIDING MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE.”

– WWP ALUMNUS RAYMOND ANDALIO

“YOU ARE NOT JUST THOSE INITIALS — TBI, PTSD, OR ANY OTHER LABEL.”

– WWP ALUMNUS DAN SMEE

WWP ALUMNUS RAYMOND ANDALIO RECEIVES A HUG AFTER BEING SURPRISED WITH A BRAND-NEW MOTORCYCLE. ANDALIO WAS ONE OF SIX WARRIORS NOMINATED AND SELECTED TO RECEIVE A FREE BIKE.

WWP ALUMNUS DAN SMEE ENJOYS THE FREEDOM AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE OPEN ROAD.

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 1312 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

Carlos De León My Journey: To Be Continued

“May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows.” — Jay Z

Dear Fellow Wounded Warrior Project Alumni,

As I write this letter, I know I can talk to you, because you understand me better than most.

My name is Staff Sergeant Carlos De León, and I served in the greatest army in the world for almost 10 years.

I was injured in Iraq in 2007 by a mortar round, was medevaced out of country, and woke up in Landstuhl, Germany. While there, I met a Wounded Warrior Project staff member with a small black bag full of essentials. Little did I know how far this small introduction to Wounded Warrior Project would take me.

I was medically retired in 2009, and like most wounded veterans, I was not prepared for life outside the military. I wanted to fight to stay in the military due to the uncertainty and fear of what was waiting for me. My anxiety was at an all-time high, because I knew I had to continue to support my wife and two children. I didn’t have a college degree, I didn’t know what I wanted to do once I got out, and I didn’t even know where we were going to live.

As I neared the end of my military duty, a member of Wounded Warrior Project reached out to me about one of WWP’s programs: TRACK. As I learned more about the program and WWP, I decided to give it a shot. I flew down to Jacksonville, Florida, where I was interviewed and accepted into the TRACK program.

I still remember arriving for my first day — nervous and anxious but not alone. I was in a classroom full of other wounded veterans who were experiencing the same emotions. Once we kicked off the day, I knew we were all going to be OK. We were surrounded by passionate staff that wanted to help us; and, more importantly, we had each other.

To explain my whole experience, I’d need another full letter. We laughed, we struggled at times, we joked, but most importantly, we — Cohort IV — persevered and graduated. A specific story stands out in my mind.

One day I was asked by Jason Martinez, (now) a senior physical health & wellness specialist for WWP, what I would be doing in late November. I had learned to trust WWP staff and to go with the flow, so I said, “Let’s go, what are we doing?” Jason wanted me to join him for a Tough Mudder.

So November rolls around, and it’s time for Jason, a few other Alumni, and me to leave the nice, warm, sunny Florida weather to fly to Englishtown, New Jersey. What did we pack for a 10- to 12-mile outdoor obstacle course? Shorts, T-shirts, and lightweight running shoes. We didn’t take into consideration how cold it really was in New Jersey in late November. We arrived around 7 am, and we were not scheduled to start until 10 am. At this point, it was about 30 degrees, and we were doing everything possible to stay warm. Nothing was working! But I’ll tell you what — watching other people suffer from hypothermia with us, and seeing the looks on their faces, made our day. We were able to finish the challenge and celebrate afterwards. Running across that finish line was truly epic, and I’m glad I got to share this accomplishment with other warriors and WWP staff members who, after this experience, I now think of as family.

This is just one of many stories. Wounded Warrior Project has saved my life. It has empowered me by providing the tools necessary to not only help myself, but to be able to pay it forward. I was once the warrior on top in the WWP logo, being carried. Now I can live the logo, as WWP has helped me become the warrior on the bottom, helping to carry my fellow warriors forward on their journey.

ALUMNI LETTER

– Carlos De LeónWWP ALUMNUS

You walk into the job interview and offer a big handshake and a smile. And why not? This position would be perfect. After all, as a veteran, your leadership experience and life skills match and exceed all the requirements the company is seeking.

When the interviewer looks at your résumé, what they see is military jargon, acronyms, training, and occupational specialties that don't potentially translate to civilian careers. So the job and the opportunities go to someone “better qualified.”

It’s a problem many warriors face as they transition from the military to civilian life.

That’s why the Wounded Warrior Project Warriors to Work® program provides career guidance and support services, such as résumé writing, interview preparation, and business etiquette, to help injured service members, caregivers, and family members successfully navigate employment challenges.

Warriors to Work specialists help WWP Alumni navigate the hiring and employment process. And they ensure the job description takes a veteran’s real-world skills into consideration, such as team leadership, communications skills, and problem-solving experience.

Ty Dixon, a WWP Warriors to Work specialist, has referred veterans to several companies. Bank of America is one of those companies and stands out because it views veterans as high-performance employees.

“As far as Bank of America is concerned, it has touched every aspect of hiring veterans and has been open to discussions regarding best practices,” said Dixon. “The bank has been instrumental in working with us, not only by hiring warriors, but also working to build their skills. Bank of America has a high level of sensitivity to the physical and emotional

challenges warriors face.”

Members of Bank of America’s staffing team have toured WWP facilities to learn how Alumni prepare for success. WWP provides employers information and education about a variety of topics relevant to veterans, such as combat-related injuries, facilitating a productive onboarding process, and developing a long-lasting relationship throughout the life cycle of employment.

“The relationship works because we work on the relationship,” says David Smith, the

staffing manager responsible for Bank of America’s veteran recruitment program. “We are working together on a common objective: meaningful careers for veterans.”

That objective doesn’t end with the start of a new job. Warriors to Work specialists stay in touch with Alumni to assure a smooth transition from new hire to productive employee. Newly hired veterans at Bank of America are encouraged to join the bank’s Military Support and Assistance Group as a way of becoming fully integrated into the company and connecting with fellow veterans. The bank has also created training modules specifically for newly hired veterans and their managers.

Companies like Bank of America discovered that veterans have the ability to quickly learn new skills and concepts, possess strong leadership qualities, can work in teams or independently, respect procedures, and have a results-oriented approach to work.

“We know that veterans, service members, and military spouses represent some of the greatest talent in our country,” says Smith. “We’re proud to partner with Wounded Warrior Project to provide the support that helps unlock their potential.”

Thanks to Warriors to Work and companies like Bank of America, the “big handshake and a smile” of that initial first interview have a different, more positive outcome. When the skills and character traits developed in the military are clearly understood between potential employer and employee, the results are often, “You’re hired!”

WWP RESOURCE //

READY TO SERVE, READY TO WORK

“WE KNOW THAT VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS, AND MILITARY SPOUSES REPRESENT SOME OF THE GREATEST TALENT IN OUR COUNTRY.”

– DAVID SMITHBANK OF AMERICA ENTERPRISE MILITARY STAFFING MANAGER

WWP ALUMNUS JACK FRAWLEY

Click here to learn more about Carlos.  Click here to learn more about the Warriors to Work program. 

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 1514 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

What started out as a test of will has turned into a full-time cycling career for Navy veteran and former lieutenant commander Steven Peace. In fact, he is training to compete in the Paralympics for the second time.

“Initially after my stroke, I just wanted something to get out and do,” he says.

Shortly before a pending deployment, Steven had a stroke. A few months after the incident, the U.S. Navy supplied him with a recumbent bike to help rebuild his overall strength and improve his mobility. The desire for a bigger and faster machine sparked Steven’s interest in competing.

It wasn’t an easy transition, but Soldier Ride®, a four-day Wounded Warrior Project cycling event that helps veterans overcome their physical, mental, and emotional wounds, helped Steven recognize his abilities.

“That was my first trial, and it was actually hell. But I stuck with it and completed a full course. As soon as I finished, I said to myself, ‘I want to do that again.’”

Nine years after a life-altering health scare that left him paralyzed on the right side of his body, Steven’s persistence has paid off.

“When I first started riding in 2009, there were a lot of complications and obstacles with my body getting used to the balance, and my right side didn’t work correctly. I think I’ve come a long way. I’m not 100 percent, but as I continue to get better, I get faster.”

To stay in shape, Steven dedicates time to honing his cycling skills six days a week. “It’s very important to work the parts of the body that don’t get enough attention on the bike because, in order to win, you have to use your full body,” he says. His year-round, day-to-day training includes riding his bike outside for up to four hours, weight lifting, stretching, core and abdominal work, and massages.

With a rigorous routine set in place, it didn’t take long for Steven to begin proving himself at the national level. He even competed and placed in World Cups hosted in Germany, Italy, Spain, South America, Australia, and Switzerland.

When Steven qualified for the 2012 Paralympic Games, it all came down to one single race. Those who had received a gold medal the previous year were set; however, Steven had to work

extra hard for a spot.

Although the stakes are high the second time around, Steven isn’t slowing down in his quest to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“You have this hope that your training is what you need it to be. There are people there who know what you have to do, and hopefully you’ve got some of those people as coaches and friends.”

Steven is more than just a dedicated and elite competitor. He has developed a coaching business that focuses

specifically on helping cyclists master the trike. He also presents clinics and classes that cater to cyclists of all levels, teaching everything from how to properly shift gears to balancing. This is Steven’s way of giving back as he pedals onward to cross the next finish line.

“Of course, I want to be the best, and there are four or five people ahead of me. Who knows, maybe one year I’ll get up there.”

To other veterans who are still fighting to find their post-military purpose, Steven offers the following advice: “Keep going until you find something that really clicks. WWP helps with that, because they have all of these things available for warriors to try, and they’re all great opportunities.”

To find the WWP program or event that works for you, contact the WWP Resource Center at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org or 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586).

WWP ALUMNUSSTEVEN PEACE

PREPARING FOR THE

MORE THAN A GAME //

THE NFL’S PLEDGE TO SALUTE VETERANS

Football players understand the value of teamwork and a common goal. Perhaps that’s why the National Football League (NFL) supports the men and women of our nation’s military, and has partnered with Wounded Warrior Project to help empower veterans.

From recognizing troops during select games to supporting WWP behind the scenes through a variety of charitable efforts, the NFL has shown strong dedication to helping our nation’s veterans.

The culmination of the league’s commitment to military appreciation is showcased in the NFL’s annual Salute to Service campaign. The campaign strengthens relationships between NFL teams and the military community.

“Supporting the military is part of the fabric of the NFL, something the NFL and its clubs have been doing for more than 50 years,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility.

“This support takes place both at home and abroad, with NFL players and coaches traveling overseas to salute the troops, as well as with team recognition of our servicemen and women through the Salute to Service campaign.”

As part of the Salute to Service campaign, on-the-field tributes were performed at NFL stadiums on the Sundays in November surrounding Veterans Day. Players displayed helmet decals honoring each branch of the armed forces, field-size American flags were unfurled during pregame festivities, coaches, staff, and cheerleaders wore military-inspired apparel, and games featured special halftime celebrations.

For every point scored during the NFL’s 32 designated Salute to Service games, the league donated $1,000 to each of its three military nonprofit partners: the Pat Tillman Foundation, the USO, and Wounded Warrior Project. Last year, the NFL donated more than $1 million to support WWP's programs and services.

The NFL’s commitment to Wounded Warrior Project extends well beyond the Salute to Service campaign. During a recent Soldier Ride® event, the Philadelphia Eagles provided a catered lunch and sideline passes for warriors to watch a training camp practice. Every week of the 2015 season, NFL teams gifted game tickets to various WWP Alumni and their families, and honored their service with on-field recognition.

In addition, the league helps teach warriors about healthy eating and adaptive exercise by directly supporting Wounded Warrior Project Physical Health & Wellness (PH&W) expos. This past year, the former St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins donated their facilities for expos. These multi-day events are designed to increase self-esteem, confidence, and healthy living. The activities address concerns related to reinjury and social anxiety, and provide attendees with tools they can use at home to continue their training with remote support from PH&W teammates.

“We recognize the important role the Wounded Warrior Project Physical Health & Wellness expos have played in the lives of many of our wounded veterans in the short time the program has been offered,“ said Isaacson.

“The expos help wounded veterans lead positive, productive, healthier, and more independent lives. We have been pleased with the success of the expos, and look forward to continued growth and accomplishment in the years to come.”

Through its work with WWP, the NFL shows it's steadfast in its commitment to supporting injured service members. Its acknowledgement of sacrifices made by veterans, and its work with veterans organizations, illustrates that the business of football is more than just a game.

PARTICIPANTS IN A SOLIDER RIDE® EVENT WERE INVITED TO GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH AN NFL TEAM DURING PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TRAINING CAMP.

FINANCIAL DECISIONS DON'T NEED TO BE PUZZLINGWounded Warrior Project economic empowerment programs provide tools Alumni can use to be successful in every aspect of their lives, including financial stability and a rewarding civilian career. If you’re committed to achieving long-term financial stability for yourself or your family, WWP is committed to supporting you throughout the process.

The Wounded Warrior Project Minnesota team is dedicated to meeting the needs of all Alumni and family members in the Minnesota and Iowa areas, offering a variety of events to get them involved in their communities.

The Squared Away Coalition is a collaboration between WWP and local chapters of The Mission Continues, Team Rubicon, and Team Red, White & Blue (RWB). Together, they have partnered on over 20 events. Among those events are Run as One and the Tim Hunt IKEA Day, named after a WWP Alumnus who lost his battle with PTSD in 2014. The overall goal is to increase awareness, making sure Alumni have access to all resources available to them.

Take a look at some of this year’s past events, and learn how to get involved by contacting your local WWP outreach coordinator.

Huge thanks to one of our biggest supporters, Tom Cocchiarella (left), for raising over $600,000 to date for WWP, and to Jim Boudewyns (center) for his generous donation of $10,000 to help honor and empower Wounded Warriors!

Over 80 Alumni and family members volunteered at the Tim Hunt IKEA Day. Participants were divided into groups, and each was assigned the wish list of one family. All of the selected items were built on-site in the IKEA parking lot and delivered to the families the next day.

ALASKAANCHORAGE TEAMCall 206.441.7096 to connect with a teammate.

ARIZONAPHOENIX4150 N DRINKWATER BLVD.SUITE 100SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251P: 480.946.0663 | F: 480.946.3686

CALIFORNIASAN DIEGO8880 RIO SAN DIEGO DRIVE SUITE 900SAN DIEGO, CA 92108P: 619.981.9642 | F: 619.222.0215

SACRAMENTO TEAMCall 619.981.9642 to connect with a teammate.

COLORADOCOLORADO SPRINGS1 S NEVADA AVENUESUITE 205COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903P: 719.377.9491 | F: 719.473.6183

HAWAIIHONOLULUCall 619.981.9642 to connect with a teammate.

WASHINGTONSEATTLE2200 ALASKAN WAYSUITE 130SEATTLE, WA 98121P: 206.441.7096 | F: 206.441.2506

ILLINOISCHICAGO230 W MONROE STREETSUITE 200CHICAGO, IL 60606P: 630.522.4774 | F: 630.368.0648

MINNESOTAMINNEAPOLIS TEAMCall 630.522.4774 to connect with a teammate.

KANSASKANSAS CITY7400 COLLEGE BLVD. SUITE 350 OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210 P: 913.998.7521 | F: 913.327.5509

TEXASSAN ANTONIO 12672 SILICON DRIVESUITE 105SAN ANTONIO, TX 78249P: 210.569.0300 | F: 210.561.2656

HOUSTON2200 SPACE PARK DRIVESUITE 100HOUSTON, TX 77058P: 832.536.3098 | F: 281.333.2605

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAWASHINGTON, DC1120 G STREET NWSUITE 700WASHINGTON, DC 20005P: 202.558.4302 | F: 202.898.0301

MASSACHUSETTSBOSTON150 CAMBRIDGE PARK DRIVESUITE 202CAMBRIDGE, MA 02140P: 617.588.4000 | F: 617.491.0495

NEW YORKNEW YORK CITY370 7TH AVENUESUITE 1802NEW YORK, NY 10001P: 212.629.8881 | F: 212.629.8885

PENNSYLVANIAPITTSBURGH301 GRANT STREETSUITE 900PITTSBURGH, PA 15219P: 412.471.0935 | F: 412.471.0934

VIRGINIARICHMOND TEAMCall 202.558.4302 to connect with a teammate.

FLORIDAJACKSONVILLE 4899 BELFORT ROADSUITE 300JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256P: 904.296.7350 | F: 904.296.7347

TAMPA10150 HIGHLAND MANOR DRIVESUITE 330TAMPA, FL 33610P: 813.804.4096 | F: 813.621.4841

GEORGIAATLANTA3343 PEACHTREE ROAD NESUITE M20ATLANTA, GA 30326P: 404.974.9234 | F: 404.467.0573

NORTH CAROLINAFAYETTEVILLE1990 FORDHAM DRIVESUITE 100FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28304P: 910.487.0116 | F: 910.860.0036

TENNESSEENASHVILLE223 ROSA L. PARKS AVENUESUITE 301NASHVILLE, TN 37203P: 615.782.7226 | F: 615.782.7233

GERMANY LANDSTUHLCONTAINER BUILDING 3794LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERRED CROSS OFFICE — OUTSIDE WARD 1AP: +49 (0) 6371.9468.362F: +49 (0) 6371.9468.363

GET CONNECTED

PUZZLE ANSWERS1. Bad habits2. Credit card3. Budget4. Stressors5. Discretionary6. Track7. Interest rate8. Savings9. Net worth10. Credit report

Looking for opportunities to engage with veterans in your area? Check your inbox for the weekly issue of The Post, an interactive email from Wounded Warrior Project highlighting events specifically in your region. Not only does The Post keep you up to date on events, but it also lists local job opportunities.

If you’re not registered as an Alumna or Alumnus or receiving The Post, contact the WWP Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org.

AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1 1716 AFTER ACTION REPORT 2016, ISSUE NO. 1

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PUZZLE CLUES

ACROSS3. Developing this will help you live within your boundaries financially.

7. If you’re in credit card debt, pay off the one with the highest _______ _______ first.

9. Subtracting everything you owe from the total assets in your name gives you this.

10. You are entitled to a free one of these every year from each of three reporting agencies.

DOWN1. Cutting these will not only improve your health, it will help you save money.

2. Using this can increase your spending by 12-18%.

4. Americans list money among their top ________ each year.

5. This type of spending should be built into your budget to give you some freedom to occasionally indulge on items like a latte from your local coffee shop.

6. A variety of free phone apps can help you _____ your monthly spending.

8. Contributing to this through direct deposit each month will help prepare you for unexpected expenses.

See page 17 for the answers.

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1193Jacksonville, FL

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programs, and encourage him or her to register at alumni.woundedwarriorproject.org.You can also share After Action Report electronically at woundedwarriorproject.org/AAR.

©2016 Wounded Warrior Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Warriors receive encouragement from locals during a Soldier Ride® event in Key West, Florida, in January.

PARTING SHOT

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT

4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300

Jacksonville, Florida 32256-6033