PALM BEACH, Fla., July 12, 2017 – What’s better than a free meal? One enjoyed with family and fellow veterans at an event hosted by Tijuana Flats. Recently, the Tex-Mex restaurant chain supported Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) by donating an evening of fun and food to warriors served by WWP. Gatherings like this don’t just allow wounded veterans to enjoy delicious food – they’re also a chance to connect them with other local warriors who share their life experiences.
Like many warriors served by WWP, Army veteran Rachel Heinz has found a renewed sense of purpose. Beyond the benefits of developing support structures and enjoying camaraderie with fellow veterans, she’s also found a chance to do something for other wounded warriors.
“At first I started just finding out about Wounded Warrior Project’s benefits services,” Rachel said. “But I learned as you get more involved with Wounded Warrior Project, you find there’s so much more to do. I know veterans don’t like to ask for help, and they’re more likely to reach out to one another for their needs. I look forward to sharing what I know with other wounded veterans in my area. Being part of Wounded Warrior Project is just another way that I feel I’m giving back to my country.”
Rachel’s journey with WWP began after she saw a commercial for the veterans charity on TV. However, she didn’t think she would be able to register with the organization because of how she was injured.
“I didn’t know I qualified,” Rachel said. “I served in Okinawa, but didn’t get injured until I came back to the U.S. I did some more research and found out that any service member who served after 9/11 qualified for help if they were injured in their service. That was a big moment for me because it was something I was able to share with other veterans like me who were wondering what help was available to them.”