Veterans with service-related health issues from the 3rd Infantry Division and the Warrior Transition Battalion received professional guidance when Wounded Warrior Project paid a special visit to Fort Stewart, Georgia, with a mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. This program event was important to warriors still in uniform for three key reasons: it informed them of actions to take prior to their separation from the military; provided needed guidance for navigating the complexities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain necessary care; and increased the chances of a positive transition to civilian life.

"Having Wounded Warrior Project come all the way out here to see us is very beneficial to me," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Roy Brock. "They walked me through all the programs and resources available to me when I exit the military – there was so much that I didn't know. With their help, I know I am more prepared for my and my wife's transitions out."

The engaging three-day program gathering at Fort Stewart was the first of its kind: veteran service experts representing five WWP programs and services conducted one-on-one interviews to better understand the unique needs of each warrior and his or her family and caretaker. With more clarity about each wounded veteran's unique needs, professionals matched each warrior with appropriate WWP programs and services – including referrals to other veteran-friendly organizations.

"We get a lot of briefings here, but they only cover general questions and it can get overwhelming," said U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Jewel Lee. "I received a lot of information about my personal situation that is going to help me moving forward."

Several of the veteran service professionals who met with Fort Stewart wounded warriors came from the WWP Benefits Service program. Benefits Service offers a critical, empowering role in recovery by securing long-term financial and medical support for veterans. In fact, the Fort Stewart warrior gathering was made possible through the Benefits Service team's innovative, impactful methods of connecting with local communities at a variety of program events. The result is undeniable: filing thousands of claims each year often provides the financial boost that immediately changes the quality of life for injured veterans, their families, and caregivers.

"Many of our futures depend on the guidance we received today," said U.S. Army Sergeant Coma Weston. "The staff are passionate, friendly, and true veteran experts. I learned a lot of information about WWP and all it offers wounded warriors. It was a very good visit."

"Our commitment is to our warriors, and connecting them to each other and helpful services that will honor and empower their lives," said Mike Linnington, WWP chief executive officer. "Thanks to the generous support of our donors, WWP can effectively provide outreach opportunities similar to the Fort Stewart program event, where our professional staff – who are experts in their fields – can advise warriors at the earliest part of their transition to civilian life."