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WASHINGTON D.C. (June 12, 2008) - An offshoot of a nonprofit
educational program founded in England during World War II to
prepare young sailors to endure adversity at sea during wartime is
helping U.S. war veterans today.
"'Outward Bound' expeditions specifically designed for veterans
and supported by the Sierra Club are an extension of this effort,"
said Meg Ryan, project manager for the Colorado-based program's
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom expedition division.
For more than 20 years, the military program, now fully funded
by the Sierra Club, includes travel to course destinations and an
opportunity for physical and mental challenges in beautiful
wilderness locations across the country, Ryan said.
"All costs, including travel to the expedition, are fully
supported by the Military Family Outdoor Initiative Project," she
said.
War veterans have two choices when participating in an Outward
Bound veteran expedition. An open enrollment allows them to sign up
for a pre-scheduled course and attend as individuals. Customized
expeditions also are available to pre-existing groups and can be
tailored to fit specific needs.
"During these transformational wilderness adventures, ...
veterans and servicemembers have hands-on opportunities to
challenge themselves both physically and mentally while building on
strengths and reinforcing the positive aspects of military
training," Ryan said. "They work to regain personal independence,
build camaraderie, and improve self-confidence to help create a
smoother reintegration into civilian life."
Outward Bound is a new supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and overseas.
"Outward Bound needs assistance in getting out the word to
veterans service organizations, military installations, ... and all
those in contact with military servicemembers about the opportunity
available to them free of charge," Ryan said.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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