Wounded Warrior Project Takes Veterans to Cheer on Georgia
Monday, February 19th, 2018
Bobby Woods grew up a Georgia fan in Athens. Getting to cheer on his hometown football team against Alabama recently was a dream come true.
"Getting to meet the players, do all the media day stuff – I don't think anything can top this, getting up close and personal, every single detail, it's amazing," Bobby said.
Wounded Warrior Project brought Bobby, fellow Army veteran Kimberly Walker, and other warriors to see the College Football Playoff National Championship in Atlanta. While the game did not end in the way these Georgia fans wanted, they still enjoyed the weekend of experiences.
Among the highlights: watching hundreds of reporters interview players and the crowd during media day, going to concerts at night, and other fan events during the day.
"The whole experience has been exciting, but the Taste of the Championship was actually the most phenomenal thing to me and being here at the game," Kimberly said. Warriors and other guests tasted food from dozens of Atlanta-area restaurants at Georgia Aquarium during Taste of the Championship.
In a survey of the veterans WWP serves (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/survey), four in five respondents registered with the organization for social engagements and support. In short, connecting veterans with fun opportunities gets them out of their homes, in places where WWP can help.
"It's always my favorite to meet other veterans and build new friendships. We can all come together at one event even though we are on opposing sides," Bobby said.
WWP partnerships made the weekend of activities and fame possible. By working with like-minded organizations, WWP can create more opportunities for injured veterans and their families.
"Wounded Warrior Project has given me back my independence," Bobby said. "I wasn't doing so well at one point; they helped me regain my confidence and come out and speak with other warriors and be in different environments."