Wounded Warrior Project's Impact

Ask a veteran about important dates in their military career. You might hear about the day they enlisted, their first deployment date, or their Alive Day. It’s a deeply personal milestone for many warriors. An Alive Day is the anniversary of the date a veteran almost lost their life in service.

For many military service members, overcoming challenges and finding a way forward is part of the job. But when faced with mental health challenges – such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression – stigma, fear, and uncertainty often stand in the way of getting help.

Navy veteran Ysabel Cardona found the healing power of women’s peer support groups, the impact of having peer support, and the strength that comes from women supporting women in a safe, welcoming space.

Melissa Krabbe never gave much thought to what it would mean to be a military spouse. With few military ties in her family, it wasn't on her radar. When she met Phil Krabbe, the notion of military life seemed distant. Eventually, they married, had a child, and settled into a comfortable, day-to-day routine.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Long Lead won the National Press Foundation’s inaugural Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Award for Excellence in Coverage of Veterans. The award celebrates outstanding reporting on the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of veterans. WWP partnered with NPF to create the award to inspire high-quality journalism about the needs of those who served.