National Wounded Warrior Center to Help Disabled Veterans Find the Missing Pieces


Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES), a nationally recognized adaptive sports program for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, is raising awareness and funding for the development and expansion of the National Wounded Warrior Center—a comprehensive recovery program and experience destination for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

“In 2007, DSES developed specialized outdoor activities and experiences for military athletes. Participation has now increased monumentally,” explained Founder and Executive Director of Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, Kathy Copeland. “We now maintain a waiting list of wounded veterans from all over the country who hope to experience the magic, healing, and comradery that happens here in the mountains.”

The state of the art center, located in Mammoth Lakes, California, will provide a multi-faceted program, integrating therapeutic outdoor activities in a world class environment, educational/career programs in conjunction with Cerro Coso Community College, professional physical and mental healthcare, wellness and PTSD recovery counseling, strong community support, and housing for reintegration into civilian life.

“There is an overwhelming need for well-rounded transitional programs for wounded, ill, and injured service members,” said Executive Director Kathy Copeland. “In 2017, the VA identified over 4M veterans with disabilities. Other studies have shown over 40K veterans were homeless, and of these 50% are living with disabilities. Our mission is to accommodate active duty and veteran wounded warriors of any age, any branch of service, with any illness or injury.”

Thus far, the DSES has raised 6.5M out of the $17.9M they need to fund the design, permitting, and construction of the facility, which will feature sleeping rooms, a dining room, communal living space, underground garage, fitness center, meditation lounge, outdoor terrace, meeting spaces, and more.

To learn more about their mission and how to make a difference, visit www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org or contact Brooke Daily at brooke@veteranpr.com.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, is a nationally recognized adaptive sports program for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, non-profit organization. Based in Mammoth Lakes, CA, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra strives to create inspiring challenges, provide expert instruction, and rally the community to comfortably accommodate people with disabilities.

The DSES wounded warrior programs began in 2007 with a collaboration with Camp Pendleton and Balboa Naval Medical Hospital’s Wounded Warrior Battalion West. Wounded veterans from across the country now attend DSES Wounded Warrior Programs, and participation has increased monumentally.

The success from the DSES Wounded Warrior programs, is the true inspiration behind the creation of National Wounded Warrior Center. National Wounded Warrior Center donations are accepted at: www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org/donate.

To learn more about the National Wounded Warrior Center initiative and how to make a difference, visit www.woundedwarriorsmammoth.org or contact Brooke Daily at brooke@veteranpr.com.