A HELPING HAND
HARLEY MEAGLEY
The background of my skateboard shows two different colors of waves on each half of the board, representing the unpredictable and shifting nature of life. But no matter how turbulent things get, there’s always a way forward.
On the tail, I put myself doing a skateboarding trick which has become a symbol of resilience for me. On the nose, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) logo stands proud, reminding me of their support and role in my recovery. Along the bottom edge, I wrote “A Helping Hand” because those words reflect what I’ve received from WWP as well as my desire to give back to other veterans who are facing their own challenges.
Like skateboarding, life is about finding balance. Sometimes we fall, but we can always get back up with a helping hand.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
HARLEY MEAGLEY
Virginia Beach, Virginia
U.S. Navy Veteran
Harley joined the Navy in 2010 and served for five years before re-enlisting in 2019. In 2021, a rigging accident while deployed in Africa led to the amputation of his right leg.
At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Adaptive Sports Coordinator, encouraged Harley to get back on snowboards and skateboards. The experience helped Harley regain control over his body and mind. Since then, Harley has been incredibly active in WWP events, adaptive sports, art therapy programs, and his Peer Support Group where he finds happiness through helping others and lifting warriors up.
“Wounded Warrior Project made it possible for me to not only focus on my physical recovery, but also find healing through creative expression.”
MEET MORE WARRIORS
JEFF SCOTT
"Art is the most therapeutic thing I’ve found to express my thoughts and feelings. I’d be lost if not for art."
MARK ELLIS
“Art is a huge part of my life. It’s healing and meditative. It’s one of the few things that quiets my brain.”
LAURA BOZEMAN
“My military career depended on precision and attention to detail. When creating art, I can take risks and simply go with the flow.”
HARLEY MEAGLEY
“Art is kind of like going to the skatepark, but I don’t have to leave the house to leave my mind.”
MARCIA MEDINA
“Art helps me stay present — helping me block out intrusive thoughts and put my focus solely on creating art.”
BILL JONES
“Art is a representation of one’s well-being. It’s what made me unique, and everyone brings their own unique perspective to art.”
DANIEL WRIGHT JR.
“If you don’t wanna talk about it, guess what? You can draw about it. And that’s what I use art therapy for.”
PUERTO RICO PSG
“Art is a great provider of peace. It helps us think in new ways to expand our understanding and create room for connection, camaraderie, and healing.”
ANGIE LUPE
“Music and art have always been my life. It helps me heal and I’ve made it my mission to help other comrades heal.”
YOLANDA JONES
“Art is an entire experience. It's not always about what I wanted you to feel. Sometimes it's about what it makes you feel on your own.”
MELISSA MCMAHON
“Art helps me let go and accept things, even when I make mistakes. It’s learning to roll with life because there are so many things I can’t control.”
