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GARMISCH, GERMANY — A special adventure race experience for wounded warriors is scheduled to take place Tuesday here. The event is sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project, American Red Cross, Army Community Services and Garmisch Outdoor Recreation.
“The Red Cross collaborates with partnering agencies and the military community to provide the best service and support to Soldiers.
This is a great opportunity to collaborate with the Wounded Warrior Project and local Army agencies to bring awareness, provide a fun event to wounded Soldiers and provide resiliency and variety in the recovery process,” said Senior Station Manager Mark Hooper.
More than 50,000 servicemen and women have been injured in the recent military conflicts. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment.
The Wounded Warrior Project offers 18 diverse programs and services designed to provide a holistic approach to recovery.
“At WWP, we set up our programs and services to engage warriors, nurture their minds and bodies and encourage economic empowerment,” said Bruce Nitsche, executive vice president of special projects for the Wounded Warrior Project. “Organizations like the American Red Cross provide critical services, and we know true success lies in collaboration. Together we can fulfill our vision of the most successful and well-adjusted generation of wounded veterans in our nation’s history.”
Red Cross volunteers and staff from around Europe, as well as members from WWP’s Combat Stress & Recovery Program team and WWP’s Germany outreach staff, will be in Garmisch to provide support and cheer on the 20 teams of three during the race, modeled after the “Amazing Race” television show.
Teams will have to overcome obstacles, work through challenges and race through the course for prizes and vie for placement on the winner podium. Each team will consist of at least one wounded service member and will compete in a series of fun challenges as they race across the beautiful Garmisch valley.
To help wounded service members pursue life goals without the barriers or stigmas associated with mental health, they will be able to participate in resiliency training, a post-traumatic stress forum and take an “All Things Garmisch” cultural tour. They may also participate in a Red Cross Healing Arts class scheduled for May 3.
For more information, contact Tammie Pech at 475-1760 or 09641-83-1760, or by email at tammie.pech@redcross.org.
(Courtesy of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Public Affairs)
