Does WWP Help with Service Dogs

Hi everyone! 

We've got some questions about service dogs and if Wounded Warrior Project assist veterans with getting service dogs. 

Wounded Warrior Project does not have a Service Dog program nor provides veterans with assistance with getting service dogs.

However our resource center can help with referrals to organizations who could assist. 

If you are interested you can call our resource center at 877-832-6997 

My personal opinion is to do a lot of research when considering organizations who provide service dogs. 

With the rise in need and "popularity" of

Service Dogs, Theraphy Dogs, Comfort Dogs or Emotional Support Dogs. 

Many organizations are not getting the proper credentials and are asking veterans for outrageous amounts of money in order to get a dog. And some may not be properly certified or trained. 

So please do your research not only on the breed of dog and if it's the right type of dog for your lifestyle but also do extensive research on the organization credentials, dog training, and certifications. 

I hope this was helpful, 

Mentor Dee signing out, 

Being an 88 MIKE!

Hi everyone! 

So I would like to share a funny story on how I needed up as a 88Mike or heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver or just good ol' TRUCK DRIVER! 

So when I enlisted in the Army I had no idea how anything worked, what the scores of the test meant and what it meant to be joining the military aside from me being able to get out of the little town of Yuma, AZ and being able to go to Germany. #europe #shopping #sorryimjustaprivateandaintgotnomoney 

So needless to say I could care less what job I got to do as long as my contract said I was going to Germany and that I was getting my money for college that's all I cared. 

So they told me I would be driving for Generals and important people and that basically I would just be a driver. 

So I said, but I m going to Germany right? #thatsallicaredabout 

So after boot camp and my training school to be "driver" I was off to Germany. The only question I had was, why do I need to learn to drive this big trucks? I don't think the Generals are going to jump in a truck?! 

But oh well, I was too excited thinking about being in Europe I could care less. 

Upon my arrival in Germany on Xmas Eve of 2001 and with everything that had transpired after 9/11 things where different. 

The real training started and missions driving big trucks across Europe started rolling in. I was touring Europe in style on a big Army truck hauling 5000 gallons of fuel. Still awesome! 

Things got real in 2003 with the Iraq invasion real Truck Driver missions started rolling in as we crossed the border into Iraq during the surge. Transporting supplies and fuel to infantry and special operations regiment was essential and I was one of those people doing that!  So I took pride in being a truck driver. 

Our unit became very close, our platoon became even closer and we became brothers and sisters. We were no longer driving trucks from point A to Point B for training. This was mission essential to continue to push forward into Iraq and to make sure our guys in the front Iinea had the supplies they needed to get the job done! 

So I guess you can say I enjoyed my job. 

In 2005 during my second deployment to Iraq things got a little different and truck drivers became "jacks of all trades" our unit was tasked as convoy patrol escort unit and we went from truck drivers to basically military police conducting convoy security all across Iraq. 

I went from truck driver to lead gun truck gunner and I LOVED IT!  The adrenaline rush is like nothing you will ever experience but it's also something you will never forget. 

Most of the people whom I deployed with in 2003, all of the rest of my fellow truck drivers where now part of gun truck crews and we we're inseparable. Once you had your crew you always went out on missions together and you trusted them with your life. A sort of Band of Brothers and 1 sister :) 

Altough initially my intentions were to tour  Europe and shop and basically be a tourist and drive Generals around as my side job. 

Life had a different plan for me. Life wanted me to grow up and mature faster than I had expected. It wanted me to see and experience things no one should ever have to experience so that I may become who I m today. 

So that I may serve and understand veterans and be a resource for them and their families and together fight thru recovery. 

I went into the Army as an 88Mike/Truck Driver but who I became does not have an MOS. 

Although there are good and bad days, I wouldn't change anything. I would go back and do it all over again. 

Hope this was helpful in sharing that no matter what your job is, it matters who you become because of the experiences your job puts you in. 

Dark Angel out! 

My Favorite Color!

Hi there!! 

So I wanted to share about my favorite color. I have to say this question threw me off for a moment as is not usually a question I would have expected. 😁 

But this was the question I had to put the most thought into it because I m not often asked about my favorite colors.

So....

My favorite color is CLEAR- 

Yea I know the color clear is not really a color and I think that's why I like it. BUT "it is when light passes through an object. The light from what is below is reflected through said object, giving you transparency"

With a clear color you can create anything you want. You can mix in any color and blend it in you can match it with any other color and you will never be uncoordinated. But most importantly the color clear is I unbiased and transparent. 

What is MMR about? Being you correct? 

What is MMR focus? Giving you a forum wher you can be yourself without judgement. 

Who do we support? Anyone who at one point has had some type of life changing event or is going thru something "thus the light" to allow you to be comfortable in your own transparency! 

So to me transparency/clear is the best color! 

Have a good one ya'll! 

Mentor Dee signing out,

What does it mean to be an Outreach Coordinator

Hi there! 

Wanted to give you an insight about what does it mean to be an Outreach Coordinator.

The official response for an Outreach Coordinator at Wounded Warrior Project is: To Assist Wounded Warrior Project's (WWP) Alumni program's efforts providing support, networking opportunities, and education to new and existing WWP alumni (wounded, injured, or I'll service members and veterans), and their families around the country at military treatment facilities (MTFs), military installations, and in local communities. 

So basically I represent WWP in any and all military installations, military treatment facilities and VA facilities nationwide where the wounded receive care and treatment. 

I work directly with Warriors and their families to assist in their recovery and transition process. 

I network, plan activities to maintain warriors engaged and help build camaraderie and family bonding. 

I also locate wounded warriors who have not yet had contact with WWP and introduce WWP's programs and services. 

I m the point of contact for WWP Alumni and their family members and refer them to appropriate programs, staff and other organizations as resources. 

This is just a short synopsis of what my job Intels, but it can sometimes be more than that as every warrior and every case is different. 

Being an outreach coordinator is a very rewarding job as you get to work with the warriors everyday and you see them thru their recovery process. 

Witnessing the life changing moments in the life of a veteran who suffers from an injury is priceless and I couldn't be more honored to have this job. 

Truly a blessing! 

Mentor Dee signing out! 

How did I become an Outreach Coordinator with WWP

Hi everyone! 

It's been a long time and what can I say, that's the life of an OC and I LOVE IT!! 

I first started working for Wounded Warrior Project in April 2014. I knew of WWP from my time in Germany while on active duty. 

But I really got to know what the organization stood for even more when I had the opportunity to take advantage of it myself as a warrior and when I had the honor of connecting other warriors to their resources. 

After getting out of the Army I continued to serve as a Military Spouse and as a Federal Employee working as a (FRSA) Family Readiness Support Assistant for over 4 years. As and FRSA my job was to provide resources to families of deployed soldiers and to look providesupport  during and after deployments. 

This particular job gave me a lot of experience in working with military families the challenges they face and what they go thru before, during and after deployment. Working for WWP was only natural and the next best career move for me. 

I love working for the Military community and for our Veterans. As a combat veteran myself and a spouse of a combat veteran with multiple deployments I connect with our Alumni and Family on a more personal level and it makes things more natural and easy for me. So I guess you can say this is really not a "JOB" to me. 

Getting hired with WWP was not easy as they go thru an extensive interview and selection process because they want to make sure they have the right person for the job. But the wait is well worth it! 

WWP is an amazing organization to work for and they have an extensive list of job opportunities. 

For mor information on job opportunities with Wounded Warrior Project go to:

http://www. woundedwarriorproject.org/cool-careers.aspx

Hope this was helpful 

Mentor Dee signing out!