A mother of a firefighter who died on 9/11 recently described her satisfaction knowing that the last thing Osama Bin Laden saw was an American soldier standing before him. I could not agree with her more but I couldn’t help thinking that prior to 9/11, that mother would have never thought she would find satisfaction in the death of another person, especially since her son chose a career as a firefighter where he would put himself in harm’s way to save lives. Because of the terrorist acts against innocent people going about their “normal life” on a September morning in 2001, that mother no longer had a son. Her life changed forever, as so many families’ lives changed on that day, forever more. For them, finding a way to go through life without their loved ones, and still lead productive and meaningful lives that also would honor their fallen is their “new normal.”

The men and women of the United States Military who so bravely volunteer to serve and protect our country have valiantly carried out their duties through 10 years of a war against terrorism, at home and abroad, as a result of the 9/11 attacks. These warriors have paid a heavy toll, not only the thousands who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their life but the over 40,000 troops physically wounded during the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Enter Wounded Warrior Project, an organization headquartered in Jacksonville Florida that is built to empower warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries, but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success along their path to what is referred to as the “new normal.”



On May 4th the path to their “new normal” took members of Wounded Warrior Project and their families to the South Lawn of the White House, where President Obama, Assistant Director of the Veterans Administration Tammy Duckworth, who is also a wounded warrior, along with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Jim Cartwright welcomed and honored approximately 30 of our American Military Heroes as they celebrated the start of a Soldier Ride that would take them on a path from the Nation’s Capitol to Annapolis, home of the Naval Academy.

Soldier Rides are a way to help wounded soldiers recover from their injuries through adaptive cycling. The concept began when a bartender from Long Island, with no military ties, took to his bike for a 5,000 mile ride to raise funds and awareness for the soldiers injured in the emerging conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nearly a decade later, the program has expanded to involve military and civilians, raising money for and promoting the cause of America's wounded warriors.

In my twenty plus years attending and hosting entertainment and political events, I have never witnessed as genuine a conversation and interaction between a head of state and members of his armed services. In addition to sharing personal stories of his conversations and meetings with Wounded Warrior Project riders, President Obama addressed all of the military in attendance when he said “…Today is also a tribute to all of you -- a generation that has written your own extraordinary chapter in the American story. Our nation has been at war now for nearly 10 years. Tour after tour, year after year, you’ve done your duty. You’ve met every challenge, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. You’ve risked everything. And you’ve carried in your hearts the memory of fallen heroes who gave everything." He went on to say;

You’ve earned your place among the greatest of generation of Americans. And we saw that again this past weekend when -- thanks to the courage and precision of our forces -- the terrorist who started this war and who took so many innocent lives learned that America does not forget; America will ensure that justice is done.

The President then spoke about the challenges a wounded warrior can face upon his or her return home, “…coming home from war marked the beginning of another battle -- the battle to recover. To stand again. To walk again. To relearn, in some cases, the simple things that are the true pleasures of life -- dancing with your spouse, or holding your children. In many ways, this might have been the toughest battle they’ve ever fought.” Obama continued, “But I want all of you to know something. You inspire me. You inspire everybody here ….Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover. That’s the difference a single person can make.” (the President's address in its entirety is embedded within this article for viewing on iPad or tablet)

The official mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to “honor and empower wounded warriors.” WWP programs are uniquely structured to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and service to meet their needs.

Soldier Rides are just one of a myriad of programs offered and created by Wounded Warrior Project. The National Park Service has partnered with Wounded Warrior Project for a number of Soldier Rides that have included the recent Earth Day Eight Mile which had the Jefferson Memorial as the starting point on a ride that takes a wounded warrior on their path to the new normal. The relationship between our National Parks and the U.S. Military can be traced back to before 1882 when support for the use of the U.S. Military for park protection at Yosemite grew to eventually become Bill HR7595. In addressing the wounded warriors and as part of their partnership, National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis has made the statement "We will not let America forget the sacrifice and heroism of people like you."

After saying hello to the President during the May 4th South Lawn event, Elaine Hackett, the Congressional Liaison of the National Park Service proudly shared with me that The National Park Service had also provided lifetime passes for the wounded warrior riders and their families to all of America’s national parks.

In addition to Soldier Ride, WWP also provides activities such as snowboarding, skiing, hunting, fishing, archery, hiking, and camping to wounded warriors to adapt to life after injury. All of these programs help soldiers find their new normal and are part of the Physical Rehabilitation, Health & Wellness programs developed by Wounded Warrior Project to optimize the physical and psychological well-being of our warriors.

Pushing the limits to find their “new normal” is not uncommon for these heroes. Last April four Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) alumni joined President George W. Bush in biking 100 kilometers over three days in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas for Warrior 100 (W100). This coming May 13th NFL great Tedy Bruschi, now an ESPN analyst, former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and former Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams player Chad Lewis are preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. They will be joined by four injured service members. The climb will help each wounded warrior recognize the possibilities and achievements that can be attained in their new normal. It also marks the launch of Wounded Warrior Project's "Believe in Heroes" campaign, which is designed to educate the public on the challenges facing this new generation of wounded American heroes, as well as raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Among the group of wounded warriors making the climb are Bryan Wagner (Exeter, CA), and Ben Lunak (Grand Forks, ND), each of whom gave a leg in service to their country. Another climber, Mike Wilson (Annapolis, MD) struggles daily with the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury (TBI) while Nancy Schiliro (Hartsdale, NY) gave an eye in service to her country.

The White House ceremony concluded with the riders circling the ellipse as the President walked among them to cheer them on and show support. Later that evening, at a reception at The Dirsken Senate Office Building, Steve Nardizzi, Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Project, recognized the administration and congress for making substantial improvements to the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Services Act. “Wounded Warrior Project commends President Obama for hearing the message sent by families in need and directing this law be implemented swiftly and with broader coverage for these families." Under the new law, the Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for providing family caregivers of the most severely injured veterans with help in meeting some of their own basic needs – including training and technical support, respite care, counseling, health coverage, and modest financial support. “This plan marks a substantial step forward and we are encouraged to see that the eligibility requirements will likely cover those warriors suffering with the signature wound of this war, Traumatic Brain Injury.” Congresswoman Ann Buerkle (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Veteran’s Affairs Subcommittee on Health, echoed her commitment to wounded warriors and expressed how proud she was to have the opportunity to work on behalf of all veterans to address their health care needs. “We owe these men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country, access to quality medical care and services in support of their ongoing health and well being.”

Retired Marine Glenn Kunkel, who served in the Corps for two deployments in Iraq.

Another poignant moment of the evening was from retired Marine Glenn Kunkel, who served in the Corps for two deployments in Iraq (the second deployment quite against his primary physician’s wishes).From recalling his first Soldier Ride with WWP in Texas to his recent return to college with a major in philosophy and a focus on law, Kunkel exemplified the bright new normal a wounded warrior can experience and the inspiration he or she can provide to their family, community and country. Based upon his natural, sincere and charismatic way of connecting with the audience, Kunkel may want to consider a high ranking political bid as part of his “new normal.”


During the reception I had the pleasure of speaking with Ret. Rear Admiral Kevin Delaney, a board member of Wounded Warrior Project, who at the time of his retirement was the Navy’s most decorated officer. During our conversation he presented a commemorative Wounded Warrior Project pin to psychotherapist Susan Schwerd, another invited guest. As it was pinned onto her lapel Delaney said “now you are in uniform.” Admiral Delaney described the WWP logo as “one soldier carrying his comrade across his shoulders.” He went on to share an interpretation of the simple illustration as representing the powerful transformation that WWP helps to provide to a wounded warrior.

Ret. Rear Admiral Kevin Delaney, a board member of Wounded Warrior Project.

A soldier may come into Wounded Warrior Project as the warrior needing to be carried, but the project provides the support and challenges for that soldier to create ways to regain the confidence, focus, strength, resources, direction and physical/mental health to become the warrior who is again standing strong and being able to carry and support his or her comrades in need. “It’s a real pay it forward environment,” said Delaney. Rear Admiral Delaney has said of his experiences with Wounded Warrior Project “I cannot think of a more worthwhile cause than giving our total and unconditional support to those who have unconditionally given their all to preserve our precious freedoms and liberty.”

The security changes and privacy limitations that are a result of September 11th 2001 have become the “new normal” for all Americans. These changes in business or travel truly pale in comparison to the new normal to which each returning vet and their families must adapt. A common thread I have found in speaking with Wounded Warrior Project members is the overwhelming disappointment that they were unable to return to service and 'finish the job'. For those who are unable to return to service because of injuries sustained, Wounded Warrior Project is there to help escort that wounded warrior, a true American hero, along the path to their new normal.

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An Example: John Fernandez
As the captain of the Army lacrosse team, John Fernandez set an example for his teammates, leading the Black Knights on the playing field. As a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he set an example for his fellow soldiers, leading his platoon on the battlefield in Iraq. And as a veteran and double-amputee, he sets an example for us all, helping fellow wounded veterans return to active lifestyles as alumni director for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to bringing comfort and support to wounded servicemen and women and their families. John, who was injured while serving in Iraq in 2003, returned to the playing field this spring, leading the Army alumni against the Navy alumni in the Heroes Cup at Madison Square Garden. His story touched everyone in attendance, but his efforts with the Wounded Warrior Project have made an impact for which applause is meager compensation. John and the Wounded Warrior Project have partnered with Disabled Sports USA to provide opportunities for servicemen and women and their families to experience everything life has to offer through sports and recreation. The Wounded Warrior Project’s adaptive sports program includes opportunities to participate in a variety of sports, including golf, skiing, cycling, water-skiing, and rock climbing. The Wounded Warrior Project also increases public awareness of the challenges returning wounded servicemen and women face. With the help of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and 55 NCAA athletic programs, the Wounded Warrior Project has set up military awareness and appreciation nights at college sporting events across the country. The effort honors veterans while providing them the opportunity to escort color guards, participate in halftime shows and coin tosses, and give motivational speeches in locker rooms. For everything he has done and will do for his teammates, fellow soldiers, and the nation’s veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project, John has earned our appreciation, our applause, and our salute.