Most of us have heard about the Wounded Warrior Project. Chances are you've contributed from afar. Now's your chance to help WWP in a more personal way!
MMA fighter, Dustin West (5-4-0), is well-known to Nashville MMA fans. Appreciated for his knockout power, and ending several fights in under a minute, the heavy handed Tennessee native is one of the fighters competing at XFC 16 "High Stakes" tonight in Knoxville, TN, where he'll be fighting Stoney "Skuller" Hale (4-2-0) from Team Oxendine, a local fan favorite.
Before pursuing MMA, West served his country as a Marine. Now that he has had some success in the sport, 'DWest' is hoping he can shine a light on a cause near and dear to his heart: The Wounded Warrior Project.
The WWP is an organization that assists injured servicemen when they come home from war and helps them transition back to life as a civilian. Anyone who served in the military who has incurred injuries or illness due to their service on or after September 11, 2001 is eligible to enter the program. Whether it's helping soldiers find jobs or simply helping with paperwork for benefits/grants, the WWP has helped thousands of soldiers since its institution in 2002.
West is paying it forward, as not only did he get permission to represent the WWP at XFC 16, local Knoxville soldiers that were wounded in battle will be his guests at the event: "The XFC has given me a wonderful opportunity to compete on HDNet at 'High Stakes'," said West. "I really think it's important to use this opportunity to give to others and bring awareness to The Wounded Warrior Project. I served in the Marine Corp and was fortunate to come back home with my health. There are a lot of others who aren't as lucky as me."
XFC President John Prisco said he is thrilled to have Dustin West fighting on the card. "Dustin is an example of what honor and integrity is all about," said Prisco. "I have watched Dustin progress in his career over the years and he is a very talented fighter. He's been knocking out guys left and right. After his big knockout over Johnathan Ivey, I had to put him on the card at 'High Stakes'. Once I put him on the card, I had some talks with him and his manager and realized just how important The Wounded Warrior Project was to him. It's really good to see a young man like that who wants to give back to wounded men and women who come home from war. A lot of guys go after sponsors to make a quick buck but here's a former Marine who is more concerned with helping his fellow soldiers. It's really touching and I'm proud to have Dustin competing for the XFC."
West said he feels it's important to remember our nation's heroes, and to give back when you can: "I think it's important to give back and honor those heroes. I encourage everyone who reads this to go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org and do what you can to support these brave men and women."
Don't forget to greet these heroes in person, shake their hands and thank them for their service, after you get to XFC 16 : High Stakes at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Just head to downtown Knoxville, TN.
To learn more about the XFC, please visit www.officialxfc.com, “Like” them on Facebook, and “Follow” the promotion on Twitter (@officialxfc).
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