Wounded Warrior Project’s veteran ride along the Rhine River. (provided by Wounded Warrior Project)
The landscape passed Ed Milanio quickly, rolling vineyards, old homes in older villages, the majesty of the Rhine River. The Army veteran was pedaling through the German countryside alongside a group of fellow warriors.
“It was great to learn from one another, boost our skills, and enjoy the journey together,” Ed said. “But the laughter and the camaraderie had to be the best part of the ride.”
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) brought the group together to bond while bicycling 20 miles along the Rhine River in Germany. Isolation is a problem too many veterans face. In a recent survey of the veterans WWP serves, nearly 4 in 5 reported feeling isolated.
Army veteran Larry Nielsen called connection his highlight of the ride.
““It’s always great to meet fellow veterans and know you are not alone on your journey.”
— Larry Nielsen
Wounded Warrior Project’s veteran ride along the Rhine River. (provided by Wounded Warrior Project)
WWP views healing as a journey, not a destination. Each individual veteran has a path that is their own. But they don’t have to face their challenges alone. The veteran charity started in 2003 bringing backpacks to hospital beds to provide comfort items to service members returning injured from war zones. While the Florida-based organization has grown to provide other programs and services, its team in Landstuhl, Germany, still carries out that original mission.
“We are there for the men and women who come through Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center,” said Kristy Hogan, WWP International Alumni manager. “Whether they were injured in combat or training, or any other reason.”
WWP’s team in Germany also serves service members, veterans and their families in Europe through in-person and virtual events.
“Hosting events like bicycle rides and dinners helps grow the military and veteran community in the region,” Kristy said. “Having that sense of community drives healing and recovery.”
Wounded Warrior Project’s veteran ride along the Rhine River. (provided by Wounded Warrior Project)
“Spending time with my fellow veterans strengthens our bonds and gives us a sense of purpose,” Ed said. “These moments not only ease feelings of isolation and PTSD, they keep us active and vibrant, which is so vital for us veterans.”
Along with hosting events, the organization trains veterans, like Larry, to host peer support groups. Those volunteer opportunities give warriors a chance to give back and serve other veterans.
“Without Wounded Warrior Project, I don’t know where I would be”
— Larry Nielsen
“I’m in a much better place and able to help fellow warriors by becoming a peer leader, which has been the best part of my journey.”
Register and learn more about the organization at woundedwarriorproject.org.
Rob Louis helps share Wounded Warrior Project’s story across the globe. He is a former journalist and the son of a retired Army officer. He can be reached at rlouis@woundedwarriorproject.org.
Wounded Warrior Project’s veteran ride along the Rhine River. (provided by Wounded Warrior Project)
