The Wounded Warrior Project is among the most prolific advocacy and assistance groups for veterans and service members in the United States. Since its inception in 2003, WWP has focused its efforts on assisting service members who were injured – physically or mentally – during time spent serving in the military following September 11, 2001, as well as the families of those veterans. However, there have been some problems of late for the nonprofit organization.
"The WWP will get a new leader."
Several executives were fired in recent months following scandals, leaving the WWP in a precarious position and inherently threatening the veterans who the organization serves. Luckily, a new captain will be stepping up to lead the WWP, and many believe is the best-qualified candidate for the job given his experiences and the unique situation the organization finds itself in today.
Reforming the organization
Military.com recently reported that Major General Michael Linnington, the man who was directing the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for about one year, will be leaving that post to act as WWP's chief executive officer. According to the news provider, the nonprofit group has been under relatively consistent fire for scandals, and Linnington is uniquely qualified to handle this type of situation given his experience at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
The source pointed out that the latter entity was under fire for its accounting practices, with families of missing veterans not approving the techniques being used to find them. He has, by all accounts, left the agency in a far better position than when he came in, which is something that everyone involved is hoping will repeat at the WWP.
"I'm very proud of the things we've done at the DPAA over the past year but I was approached by a group that needed some leadership in caring for our wounded warriors," Linnington told Military.com "I'm a 35-year soldier. I brought soldiers to combat and welcomed many of them home that were grievously wounded … If we continue to focus on our families and providing families the fullest possible accounting of their loved ones, based on those values, I think we'll be fine."
The WWP is a very important entity in the veteran community, and Linnington will hopefully bring its performance to levels not yet reached in the organization's history.
Assisting in rehabilitation, transition
The WWP has long committed to providing support and services to the veterans who need them most, and offers a range of options to fit the unique goals and requirements of each individual service member. The group provides a Combat Stress Recovery Program, peer support, a massive network, long-term support, physical health and wellness options, a Transition Training Academy,Warriors to Work and many other offerings to veterans.
Veterans who are interested in taking advantage of the WWP should consider checking out the nonprofit organization's website, where they can find more details on the unique types of support available and how to begin.