JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) will honor 14 wounded veterans with a special graduation ceremony Friday, July 31 for completing its 12-month TRACK™ program in Jacksonville.
TRACK is the first education center in the nation designed specifically for injured service members. Facilities are located in San Antonio, Texas, and at the Jacksonville, Florida headquarters. The 12-month program is built around the needs of combat veterans. Along with helping them meet their educational goals, TRACK supports personal health and wellness, mental health, and career development. TRACK is one of programs offered by WWP for wounded veterans, free of charge.
This newest cohort of TRACK graduates traveled from as far away as California to live in Jacksonville for the past year, with all expenses paid. During that time, the students took classes on the TRACK campus, participated in physical therapy sessions, and served externships with Jacksonville area businesses.
Jacob Leach is a WWP alumnus who plans to pursue a marketing degree after TRACK. College is an option that was almost unavailable to him. "I had a lot of anxiety about returning to school because of a failed attempt when I first left the Army. I knew my greatest chance of success would be if I accomplished it with the help of TRACK," Leach said.
Jeremy Ruffner is also a WWP alumnus who just completed the program. "You must walk before you run, and TRACK teaches you how to walk so when you're done with the year you can begin to run. I say run because you can run your own life instead of your disabilities running it for you," Ruffner said.
"TRACK has given me the resources, and most importantly the courage, to achieve my goal of receiving a bachelor's degree in business and advancing with my sales and marketing career," said Leach.
With the support of WWP employees and classmates, TRACK students graduate with the skills and resources to continue their education or enter the civilian workforce.
TRACK launches its newest cohort with 19 students on August 3. To find out about WWP Education Services and other programs provided by WWP, contact the WWP Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (888.997.2586).