Wounded Warrior Project's Impact

In 2025, as America marks its 250th birthday, three of its oldest military branches – the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps – will celebrate the same milestone.  These institutions have shaped American history. They stand as symbols of national defense, resilience, and service. Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is proud to stand beside those who stand to serve. No matter the uniform, WWP will honor and empower wounded veterans, their families, and caregivers well into the future.

For years, Jonathan “J” Dagen found life anything but joyful. An Army veteran who survived combat, homelessness, and years of emotional pain, J struggled daily trying to find peace. He never imagined a friendly voice on the phone and a pre-packaged LEGO^® building kit would lead him out of the darkness.

For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world. The camaraderie, structure, and shared purpose that defined their military service are suddenly gone. But connection can be a lifeline, and through a new partnership with Comcast, WWP is making it easier for warriors to build those bonds. 

At a remote military base in Alaska, where long, cold, and dark winters are the norm, a new focus on mental health is taking hold. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), located in Anchorage, efforts are underway to provide more mental health support to the 30,000 people who call the base home.

Launched as a bold fusion of art therapy and skate culture, the Warriors on Board campaign by Wounded Warrior Project^® invited 11 veterans from across the nation and Puerto Rico to design custom skateboards as a means of creative healing. More than just a project, it became a lifeline, offering veterans a new way to process their experiences, connect with others, and turn their stories into rolling works of art.