Day of Rivals Honors Wounded Veteran Ryan Kules
For veterans who have been permanently injured, The Day of Rivals in Jacksonville, Florida, is an opportunity to receive recognition for their sacrifices.
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March 23, 2010
Many soldiers who survive combat face another battle when they return home - they must overcome the physical and emotional injuries inflicted upon them as they served their country. Ryan Kules, who lost an arm and a leg when an IED detonated, is one such veteran.
For those who have been permanently injured, like Kules, The Day of Rivals in Jacksonville, Florida, is an opportunity to receive recognition for their sacrifice while enjoying a good old fashioned college lacrosse rivalry.
Every year at the Day of Rivals, veterans who were hurt in the line of duty are named as the honorary team captains for a few rousing games. The annual competition divides teams into Army versus Navy and Johns Hopkins University against the University of Maryland. The winners from each game then face off.
After his return home, Kules began working full-time as Wounded Warrior Project alumni director, and is helping other veterans who have been disabled assimilate back into civilian life.
"It is an honor to represent WWP and the University of Maryland," said Kules. "The opportunity to promote the organization with the University of Maryland's help is something that I couldn't pass up."
In addition to WWP – which works to meet the needs of severely injured service members - war survivors are also encouraged to explore the many resources available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which may help them live thriving lives.
According to the VA, some 23 million Americans have a veteran status and more than 3 million receive federal disability compensation.
Many soldiers who survive combat face another battle when they return home - they must overcome the physical and emotional injuries inflicted upon them as they served their country. Ryan Kules, who lost an arm and a leg when an IED detonated, is one such veteran.
For those who have been permanently injured, like Kules, The Day of Rivals in Jacksonville, Florida, is an opportunity to receive recognition for their sacrifice while enjoying a good old fashioned college lacrosse rivalry.
Every year at the Day of Rivals, veterans who were hurt in the line of duty are named as the honorary team captains for a few rousing games. The annual competition divides teams into Army versus Navy and Johns Hopkins University against the University of Maryland. The winners from each game then face off.
After his return home, Kules began working full-time as Wounded Warrior Project alumni director, and is helping other veterans who have been disabled assimilate back into civilian life.
"It is an honor to represent WWP and the University of Maryland," said Kules. "The opportunity to promote the organization with the University of Maryland's help is something that I couldn't pass up."
In addition to WWP – which works to meet the needs of severely injured service members - war survivors are also encouraged to explore the many resources available to them through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which may help them live thriving lives.
According to the VA, some 23 million Americans have a veteran status and more than 3 million receive federal disability compensation.
