Wounded Warrior Project: Project Odyssey

Project Odyssey

Program Description

Project Odyssey began with the idea to bring together warriors dealing with combat stress to offer them a chance to spend time with fellow warriors and start the healing process. Not all wounds from combat are visible. Combat stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder as it's more commonly known, has become the largest disability today's warriors are facing.

Combat stress presents unique challenges for warriors recovering in their home communities. Too often, individuals with combat stress issues feel isolated and worry they will face public censure if they share their struggles with others. This fear creates a barrier that makes it difficult for warriors to recover alone. Project Odyssey gives warriors a safe location to come together to acknowledge and understand the issues they are all facing. Together, they can openly discuss problems without being judged and take the first steps forward toward healing.

WWP's Project Odyssey became a reality in 2007. Since then, three groups of warriors have taken part in an Odyssey. During each session, warriors participate in an incredible lineup of outdoor activities, each designed with a therapeutic aspect to further the healing process. The VA's Outreach Program under Dr. Alfonso Batres has joined the cause to provide mental health specialists from the VA Vet Centers. Odyssey has also gained the support of Secretary Peake of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

On April 13, 2008, the first all-female Odyssey began in Miami, Florida. This Odyssey brought together ten warriors from across the country who share a common bond. They all proudly served their country during a time of war and were dealing with combat stress. To assist the warriors in their recovery, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided two doctors from VA Vet Centers, one Global War on Terror Readjustment Counselor, and one VBA specialist who assisted with their concerns about VA claim issues and benefits.

The event was conducted in partnership with Shake-A-Leg Miami and centered around water-related events like sailing, kayaking, and swimming with dolphins. When not on the water, the warriors participated in team-building exercises to help them recognize and adapt to stressful situations. During the evenings, the group met with mental health professionals to discuss issues each of them was facing in recovery from combat stress. The participants quickly discovered they were not alone, and there were other warriors with similar struggles. Over the week, they found they were not just individuals, but had grown into a cohesive group where they could openly discuss their concerns without being judged.

Most importantly, this group of warriors forged a bond of friendship and found others they could trust and call upon when times get tough. The healing process was started during the week, and for many, Odyssey was the first time they shared their pain with anyone.

This Odyssey was an overwhelming success, and all of the women who participated are incredible warriors who served their country honorably. During the week, they took steps together toward reclaiming life from combat stress.

WWP will continue to offer Odysseys for both male and female warriors. In many cases, women warriors react differently than men. They have their own concerns they often do not feel comfortable discussing with strangers, and especially men. As an organization, we want all warriors, male or female, to have their voices heard. Together, we will be working to help all warriors overcome the challenges of combat stress.