Ohio Northern University to Recognize Wounded Warrior Project Alumni during October 11, 2014 Football Game

Ohio Northern University to Recognize Wounded Warrior Project Alumni during October 11, 2014 Football Game
October 10, 2014

ADA – Ohio Northern University will honor and recognize our nation's wounded heroes during their game against the University of Mt. Union at Dial-Roberson Stadium in Ada, OH on October 11, 2014. In collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Ohio Northern's athletics department has invited local Wounded Warrior Project Alumni to serve as Honorary Captains and participate in the coin toss immediately prior to the game.

"It is important to us to honor the sacrifice our veterans have made for our country," stated Director of Athletics, Tom Simmons. "We feel it is a great opportunity to let our students, campus community and area fans show their appreciation."

Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that provides injured service members with 20 free programs and services that are uniquely structured to promote their recovery in the areas of mind, body, economic empowerment and engagement. Family members and caregivers also benefit from the programs and services offered by WWP because WWP realizes a veteran's support community is impacted by his or her injury.

"We applaud the institution for supporting our mission to honor and empower WWP Alumni," said Steve Nardizzi, executive director, Wounded Warrior Project. "Events like these are beneficial to everyone involved. We believe the resiliency and natural leadership abilities of Alumni can play a big role in motivating athletes, coaches, and communities. At the same time, these events pay public tribute to the sacrifices this generation of service members and their families have made. We also know, from our longstanding relationship with NACDA, the Alumni being honored gain confidence from attending these events." 

More than 52,000 service members have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. An estimated 400,000 more are living with the invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).