Grant Helps Fairfax Wounded Warriors

A $20,000 grant will help fund and expand a program for wounded warriors in Fairfax County.

The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services received the grant to enhance Operation WOW!, which stands for Wellness Opportunities for Warriors. The funding for the program was awarded by the U.S. Paralympics and the National Recreation and Park Association.

“What is unique about this grant is that it will allow us to add a family component,” said Evan Braff, regional manager for the department. “We will bring out a lot of the wounded warriors if they know family members can attend.”

The program provides veterans a chance to participate in any Fairfax County Park Authority class to do with physical fitness. Some past and future activities that the warriors participate have included paintball, rock climbing, bowling and mixed martial arts.

“We want to is expose them to different activities in the community,” Braff said. “When you have a wounded person who comes back, one of the goals is community integration.”

Operation WOW started three years ago and since then has served over 220 people, Braff said. The program operates year round in several sessions, the next one beginning on March 8. He hopes that with the grant money even more veterans will participate.

“The more connected they feel to their activities and being physically fit, the more it helps their overall well being,” Braff said.  

The program is also seeking to recruit more veterans to be mentors for returning soldiers participating in WOW.

To participate in WOW or to become a mentor, contact Robyn Mitchell at 703-324-5553, TTY 711 or robyn.mitchell@fairfaxcounty.