The Wounded Warrior Spouses’ Support Group (WWSSG) was founded in Camp Lejeune by the wives of three wounded Marines who realized that there was an unmet need for additional support in coping with the questions, stressors, lifestyle changes, and uncertainties that arose throughout the recovery process.

The group provides an environment where spouses can begin or continue on their own journey of healing and can gain information and camaraderie through the shared experiences of others who have walked a mile in their shoes. Members find that participation helps not only themselves, but their Marines, as well.

Time taken for self-care has been noted to alleviate worries the Marines have about their spouses' well-being, thereby allowing the Marine to focus on their own recovery. In addition, newly attained information has permitted some to take advantage of unclaimed benefits.

Operating as a volunteer force with the endorsement of IIMEF, the WWSSG maintains three goals:

1. To provide a greater understanding of the processes and stressors of recovery and the benefits available to Wounded Warriors and their families. During the time immediately following an injury, families are inundated with information they do not always have a chance to fully process because the primary concern at the time is for the care and condition of the wounded loved one. Each month we provide access to experts in fields such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, T-SGLI, Med Boards and the PEB process, among other things. Guest speakers generally provide a 30 minute presentation followed by a Q&A session.

2. To offer a safe, non-threatening environment, free from rank, and judgment. It is important for spouses to feel comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns. A closed door session immediately follows the presentation. While we open the informational segment to interested parties, only Wounded Warrior Spouses are invited to attend this portion of the meetings.

3. To give the commands feedback. With care to ensure that privacy is upheld, we attempt to assist commands in their mission to enhance the quality of life for their Wounded Marines and their families by making them aware of any unmet needs that the command can address and fulfill.

For more information, please contact Shannon Maxwell at Amy Koury
or call 910-938-1817.