In the Wake of the Afghanistan Withdrawal, Wounded Warrior Project Commits to Veteran Outreach
In the aftermath of the end of the 20-year war in Afghanistan, the longest war in America’s history, many warriors were, and still are, experiencing a wide variety of emotions: concern, confusion, anger, frustration, and sadness. Following the withdrawal, Wounded Warrior Project immediately launched a campaign to call and offer support to approximately 40,000 veterans who served over the course of the conflict.
So far, WWP has reached over 30,000 warriors and connected Service members and their families who needed support to resources and services.
“Over the past 20 years, your service and sacrifice has truly mattered. You have kept our country safe while providing opportunities for the Afghan people they never thought possible,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “As importantly, you were there for each other, your brothers and sisters in arms. Being there for each other is what we need to do now.”
WWP’s efforts to reach warriors impacted by the news of the end of America’s war in Afghanistan have been guided by experience providing support during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. During an equally challenging time, WWP stands ready to provide comprehensive support through its many programs and services and is also working with other organizations in the military and veteran community to provide opportunities for connection and high-quality mental health care.
In addition to offering support to approximately 40,000 veterans who served over the course of the conflict, WWP also assisted in the intake and processing of over 10,000 emails from Afghan nationals requesting evacuation from the region as the Taliban moved to take control. Working with No One Left Behind, VA, DoD, State Department counterparts, and congressional offices, WWP stood up a volunteer team of WWP staff and WWP alumni to read and pull critical information from thousands of incoming emails and upload the information extracted into the Department of State’s Afghanistan withdraw visa system.
Additionally, several WWP staff worked on their own time to connect American citizens and green card holders in the region with organizations, individuals, and congressional offices for help with extractions from the region.
WWP also provided short-term volunteer support to assist the American Red Cross efforts with evacuees in Germany and stateside.
WWP staff and alumni rose to the call by donating their time and energy in doing what they could to help as many allies as possible.
WWP’s Resource Center team is ready to help connect veterans with a suite of services and is available from 9 am to 9 pm ET Monday through Friday at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586). For those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and need to talk confidentially with someone, the Veterans Crisis Line is also available every day, 24/7, at +1 800.273.8255. Press 1 upon calling. Veterans can also chat online or text 838255.
