by Laryssa Leone, reporter
OMAHA – With over 1.7 million veterans in the United States, November 11th is an important holiday for the community to share their appreciation for our service men and women. If you’re wondering how you can show you admiration for Veterans, the Omaha Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has many outlets for you to participate in, but a local Veteran said, a sincere thank you is the best way to support Veterans every day.
Katrina Eilers is a retired Army Veteran, she served as an emergency room medic, on her tour in Iraq. Katrina feels as if it is hard for her to feel like a worthy veteran. She stated that many women in the armed forces are underrepresented in the veteran’s community and often feel less of a Veteran than their male counterparts. Katrina stated that she finds it hard to connect with people post serving and struggles with PTSD as well as, physical impairments. Eilers said the best way we can support female vets is by recognizing they exist and are some of the most hardworking people you know.
The Omaha Wounded Warrior Project located on 11218 and John Boulevard has a plethora of programs that support Veterans. One of those programs focuses on self-care for female vets. The WWP gives out care packages to over 300 hundred female Veterans, that includes gift cards to beauty salons and handwritten personalized notes. Katrina Eilers claims that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of the Omaha Wounded Warrior Project.
Eliers is not the only Veteran that calls for acknowledgement and support, John Weinburg also toured in Iraq and he claims genuine support is all he asks for.
As a wounded vet that is limited in mobility Weinburg said a task as small as mowing his lawn is a way to show your appreciation. He hopes people are able to acknowledge that past service members are people too.
Weinburg has lost all mobility in his legs due to events during his deployment but he states that he isn’t looking for people to enable his disability, and wished people would allow him to be more physically independent. John wants people to understand that he would feel more supported with just a wave hello. He stressed that people should only say thank you, because they mean it, and not out of a feeling of obligation.
The Wounded Warrior Project also has a Veteran Training program that helps Veterans train in trade career fields, such as welding, to help ensure a higher chance in securing a job out of the military field. They pay for travel too, lodging and training fees.
Even offering to pay their way home if they pass the courses included in the training. If there is a specific course the Veterans need in order to be qualified for a job, the Wounded Warrior Project will also pay for the course needed.
