Every day, wounded warriors demonstrate strength in their daily activities, from pushing themselves during grueling physical therapy, to asking for help when they need emotional support.

To kick-off Wounded Warrior Care Month, Navy Installations Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard, hosted a ceremony to recognize the importance of the program and to honor several wounded warriors. Each warrior has made significant progress over the years in their recovery as a result of the Wounded Warrior Program, from finding employment, to participating in art therapy, to competing in elite adaptive sports events.

This year's Warrior Care Month theme, "A Show of Strength," recognizes the fortitude that seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Marines, and their families, exhibit during their journey toward recovery.

"Families and caregivers also show incredible strength each and every day, at all hours of the day and night," said Capt. Brent Breining, director of the Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) and Safe Harbor Programs. "They provide attentive and loving support to wounded warriors, often at great personal expense. I can think of no one who deserves our support more than our wounded warriors and their families. Our commitment to them must never waver."

The Navy Wounded Warrior program is a department within the Fleet and Family Readiness department under Commander, Navy Installations Command, and has assisted nearly 3,800 service members and their families since its inception in 2008, when, then-Secretary of Defense Robert Gates designated November as Warrior Care Month. The goal was to inform military members and their families, and communities across the country, about the programs and initiatives provided through the Warrior Care system.

Retired Navy Lt. Chet Frith, one of the guest speakers at the event, said he has benefited from NWW, both as a wounded warrior and as an employee.

"Realizing I could still be a productive member of society gave me a sense of purpose again," he said. "It's what I needed."

Support is not limited to combat injuries. The program also assists those battling serious illnesses or injured in accidents. The Navy defines a "wounded warrior" as a Sailor or Coast Guardsman who has a serious illness or injury requiring long-term care, that may result in a Medical Evaluation Board/Physical Evaluation Board to determine fitness for duty.

Throughout the month of November in Washington, D.C., and throughout the Department of Defense, the Office of Warrior Care and all services' wounded warrior programs will highlight a variety of wounded warrior programs and activities, including stories of recovery, and personal triumphs.

For more information about Warrior Care Month activities or wounded warrior resources visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil

For more information about Navy shore installations visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.