Veteran Brothers Launch Wrestling Program to Aid Fellow Service Members’ Transition
[city,State] – Two brothers,both veterans and former Olympic hopefuls,are pioneering a unique approach to helping fellow service members navigate the challenging transition from combat to civilian life: wrestling. Nick and Eric Frick, the only brothers ever deployed from the Olympic Training Center into combat, founded a program leveraging the discipline and physicality of wrestling to aid in the recovery of veterans grappling with issues like PTSD.
Deployed to Iraq, the Frick brothers recognized a critical need upon their return. ”So when I got back from overseas, I’ve always wrestled, and wrestling was a key for me to get my therapy,” explained Eric Frick.
the program centers on the belief that combat sports, notably wrestling, offer a ”whole-health approach to recovery,” addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of veterans. ”The wrestling really helps them with the physical aspect and the spiritual aspect,” Nick Frick stated.
Nick Frick brings extensive experience to the effort, having worked with veterans battling PTSD for nearly two decades. He also served five years on the Veterans Affairs Board as a certified mental health professional, focusing on veteran recovery. He emphasizes the vital role of community within the program. “You develop a really great support system,” he said.”You always have someone to talk to. You’re not alone.”
The impact is already being felt by participants like andrew Cleveland, a U.S.Marine Corps veteran. ”I love what they’re doing with vets,” Cleveland said. He participates in wrestling through the foundation and has enrolled his son in the Frick Brothers Wrestling Academy program. “I love how they’re integrating combat sports to help with PTSD, and help vets sort of recover,” he added, describing the positive atmosphere. “When you see them out there with their kids, coaching their kids, they’re out there on the mat, it just keeps that whole camaraderie.”
Cleveland described the feeling of being on the mat as ”euphoric,” a welcome distraction from the burdens of past trauma. “Getting on the mat, you feel good. Not thinking about some of those things that are weighing on you heavy,” he shared.
Currently in its early stages, the Frick Brothers’ foundation aims to raise funds to secure a dedicated building to serve both veterans and local youth through wrestling. They are already witnessing positive change. “It just hits different knowing they’re on the right path now, not going down the wrong road,” Eric Frick said.
nick Frick added, “Its amazing to see it help change their lives, and give them some hope, and get them on the right path…And have people call me and say ‘Hey Nick, you helped save my life.'”
Those interested in supporting the War Memorial Foundation Corp. can donate via the QR code provided by the Frick brothers[[[[Image of QR code included in original article ].
Copyright 2025 WWSB.All rights reserved.
