Wounded Warrior Project Kicks Off Rolling Odyssey Program
Brantley Gilbert Joins WWP and Harley-Davidson to Raise Awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today in Houston, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) launched Rolling Odyssey, offering the wounded combat veterans it serves a new and unique group motorcycle riding experience. This program is fueled through WWP's alliance with Harley-Davidson Motor Company, and the inaugural ride travels from Houston to Baton Rouge then back to Houston over Memorial Day Weekend. Special guest, Country hitmaker Brantley Gilbert, and members of his road crew are also joining the ride, which will make stops at Harley-Davidson dealerships along the route.
"WWP is grateful for Brantley's support of the WWP mission, to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. We are also honored to work with Harley-Davidson in a joint initiative to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and help improve the lives of this generation of wounded servicemen and women who are living with PTSD," said John Roberts, WWP warrior relations executive vice president. "I find riding a motorcycle to be very therapeutic, and our warriors are excited to get out on the open road and ride their Harleys alongside Brantley in this inaugural Rolling Odyssey event."
Ten WWP Alumni will join Harley-Davidson, Brantley and his road crew on the ride, making five stops in five cities over 48 hours. The group rolls into Bayou Country Superfest on Saturday, May 23 for Brantley's performance at LSU Tiger Stadium.
"Harley-Davidson has proudly supported the military for more than 100 years," said Christian Walters, U.S. managing director at Harley-Davidson. "Our alliance with Wounded Warrior Project, and support of the new Rolling Odyssey program, builds on that legacy by supporting the men and women who have, and continue to, defend our country and our freedom."
Brantley Gilbert is a longtime motorcycle enthusiast and an avid military supporter, and he helps introduce WWP's Rolling Odyssey program while celebrating the May 18 release of JUST AS I AM PLATINUM EDITION (The Valory Music Co.). His music is often inspired by the toughness and valor of the country's servicemen and women.
"It's been a wild ride with this album. I put pen to paper and let the blood, sweat, and tears of the last few years create these stories," said Brantley. "A huge thanks goes out to the BG Nation for all the support. I'm excited to bring this new music to the fans – my friends – and kick it all off with a ride to benefit a cause that is so important to me."
The new Rolling Odyssey program is particularly impactful since it provides a peer support setting for bonding and camaraderie: the open road gives combat veterans a unique environment to reconnect with those who understand their experiences firsthand. Harley-Davidson's and Brantley's participation in the kick-off of Rolling Odyssey helps WWP continue to bring awareness that although PTSD is commonly associated with combat service, it is a disorder from which anyone who has experienced trauma—veteran and civilian-- can suffer. Visibility is crucial for understanding PTSD and making everyone who endures its daily challenges feels safe and understood.
About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.
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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
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