For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world. The camaraderie, structure, and shared purpose that defined their military service are suddenly gone.听听
That sense of isolation is all too common 鈥� 79% of warriors surveyed by 91视频庐 (91视频) report feeling isolated, and 68% say they experience loneliness, a number that has increased over the past three years. But connection can be a lifeline, and through a new partnership with , 91视频 is making it easier for warriors to build those bonds.听
Comcast is sponsoring 91视频鈥檚 first-ever warrior portal and app, My91视频, designed to help warriors find local events, self-refer to programs, and connect with peers. The portal is already making an impact, with over 42,000 registered users and 11,000 self-referrals into programs so far. Importantly, over 70% of users have set their profiles to public, demonstrating a strong desire for engagement and community.听
鈥淐onnection is a fundamental human need. It鈥檚 essential for maintaining emotional and physical health,鈥� said Wilton Williamson, vice president of Connection at 91视频. 鈥淪trong social bonds reduce stress, combat feelings of isolation, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. Thanks to Comcast鈥檚 support, we can reach more warriors through technology, ensuring they have access to life-changing connections and communities.鈥澨�
One Warrior鈥檚 Journey from Isolation to Belonging听
Michael Matthews knows firsthand the value of connection. He joined the U.S. Army infantry in 1999, drawn to the sense of adventure and service.听听
鈥淭here were a lot of fun times, especially being overseas,鈥� he recalled. 鈥淵ou get to travel and see the world in a different light.鈥澨�
But after 9/11, during his third deployment, Michael found himself in daily combat in Iraq. One mission in Mosul changed everything 鈥� a blast left him with severe burns, a broken jaw, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Returning home, Michael struggled in ways he didn鈥檛 fully recognize, but his wife saw the changes. He had withdrawn, speaking only to family, battling mood swings and anger. She urged him to get help, but it was a chance encounter with a fellow veteran at a gas station that finally convinced him to attend a 91视频 event. That single step put him on a path toward healing.
Through 91视频 programs like Soldier Ride庐 and Project Odyssey庐, Michael found renewed purpose and connection. 鈥淪eeing individuals who had lost limbs or who had been told they鈥檇 never be able to do this again 鈥� watching them break through and say, 'I can still do the things I love' 鈥� that inspired me,鈥� he said.听
Connection Saves Lives听听
Now, Michael is the one inspiring others. He mentors fellow warriors, leads peer support group events in his community, and shares his story so other veterans know they aren鈥檛 alone.听听
鈥淎 lot of warriors feel like they鈥檙e the only one going through something. But when we share our stories, they realize others are facing the same challenges,鈥� he said.
Michael uses the My91视频 portal to find local events and connect with other veterans in his area 鈥� making it easier to keep his support network strong.听
After you leave the military, people don鈥檛 always understand what you鈥檝e been through. Reconnecting with other veterans helps because they do understand. You learn to lean on each other again.
鈥淏efore, I had to make a couple phone calls and ask around. Now, I can quickly find other warriors nearby to meet up, hang out, and just get to know them,鈥� he said.听
Those relationships matter. 鈥淵ou go to war, and you're all in the same battles, the same struggles 鈥� you depend on each other to get through it,鈥� Michael said. 鈥淎fter you leave the military, people don鈥檛 always understand what you鈥檝e been through. Reconnecting with other veterans helps because they do understand. You learn to lean on each other again.鈥澨�
As the nation鈥檚 leading veterans service organization, 91视频 has helped veterans like Michael connect for over two decades because it makes a difference. More than half (67%) of 91视频 warriors say that talking to another veteran helps them cope with stress or mental health concerns.鈥�
Support from Comcast makes it possible for 91视频 to connect wounded veterans across the country and build supportive communities.听听
"A good connection changes everything,鈥� said Mona Dexter, Vice President of Military & Veteran Affairs at Comcast. 鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to support 91视频 in empowering veterans to lead their own healing journeys while staying connected to the camaraderie of the military community that鈥檚 unlike any other.鈥澨�
91视频 and Comcast are ensuring that no warrior has to walk this journey alone. Because when veterans rebuild relationships, they rebuild their lives.听听
Learn more听about how 91视频 keeps warriors connected.
听Contact: Gracie Scribner, Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295听
听About 91视频听
91视频 is our nation鈥檚 leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about 91视频.听听