About Us

cwvc-team-key-west-scuba-2012Who We Are

Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge is a Florida based, national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for our returning American combat wounded and injured military service veterans. The basis for our mission centers upon 3 core principles – Challenge, Research and most importantly Inspire.

What We Do

CWVC is led by other combat wounded veterans that are committed to the reintegration of their compatriots as they transition back into civilian life through rehabilitative high-adventure and therapeutic outdoor challenges. While on these grueling challenges, these warriors continue to give of themselves by furthering medical physiological, biomedical and pathological sciences associated with their injuries.

The data collected and case studies conducted with our medical partners while on these expeditions lead to breakthrough gains in the fields of traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, orthotics and prosthetics. Rehab and reintegration are handled in traditional as well as non-traditional settings. In healing themselves, our members help others.

Why We Do It

Inspiration plays a large role at CWVC and shows itself in a variety of ways.

These Challenge Warrior teams are tested mentally as well as physically in extreme conditions. If the veterans can literally and figuratively “climb a mountain”, then the goal of transitioning becomes less daunting and more attainable.

The camaraderie of again being part of a team…pushing and inspiring each other…achieving success…gives the veterans the confidence to seek assistance and realize they are not alone.

Our Challenge Warriors not only participate in expeditions, but also engage in speaking to groups and touring within the military community to provide hope to the newly injured in VA Hospitals. Their selfless efforts serve as bright examples, motivating their brethren that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel.

Where We Are Going

Since 2002, more than 200,000 U.S. service members have suffered traumatic brain injuries. The brain health of our service members is just as important as their physical health. With this in mind, Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge recently announced a new partnership with the researchers at the Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas to further explore the area of Traumatic Brain Injuries. Estimates suggest that 18-30% of veterans who have served post 9/11 have PTS. Even more alarming is the fact that 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Some of our veterans have already begun working with the Center at this time. Our goal is to mitigate symptoms of TBI and PTS within our military community and see measurable real-life improvements that allow these warriors to enjoy a better quality of life.

Our other key partners include The J.E. Hangar College of Orthotics and Prosthetics, St. Petersburg College, led by Arlene Gillis. SPC is one of a less than a dozen colleges in the U.S to offer a degree program in Orthotics and Prosthetics. The College has entered into a consortium with Florida State University and Georgia Tech to offer graduate study programs. The work conducted with them has provided hands on learning and valuable data for this specialized field. American Underwater Products and Alaska Mountaineering School round out the partnerships established by CWVC and contribute to our veterans’ success.

Each entity bringing a unique expertise, vision and unsurpassed qualifications to enhance our mission and propel us to the next level of exploration, while expanding our reach to larger groups of combat wounded and injured veterans across the country.

Our members demonstrate daily to everyone, military and civilian personnel alike, facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles, that anything can be overcome.

Vulneror non Vincor, “I am Wounded – not Conquered”, will continue to serve not only as an inspirational motto, but a belief to live by in the future.