In honor of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, the YMCA is showing it’s “Here for Our Heroes” through a month of special offerings and community-building programs. Active military, veterans and retired military personnel will receive November free at the Y when they join as a new member between Nov. 1-17.
"The YMCA is proud to serve as a welcoming community for veterans, military personnel and their families, offering programs and activities designed to honor their sacrifice and service," officials said.
“At the YMCA, I have met veterans and active-duty service members.
Being a member here, you’re going to have that community. You will build close relationships with people here,” said Mita Martin, a veteran and member who recently shared why she enjoys coming to the YMCA. “Almost all of the employees here know my children, and my children love everybody here. We love coming to the YMCA.”
Ms. Martin has been a member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga for several years and is a veteran of the Air Force. She deployed to Kuwait during Operation Enduring Freedom and served in the Air Force for six years. Ms. Martin is one of nearly 1,000 local YMCA members, who are serving or have served in the military.
In celebration of Veterans Day, the Y is offering a variety of events and initiatives throughout November:
SWEAT FOR A VET: A Military-Inspired Workout
This month, the YMCA is hosting a special Sweat for a Vet workout, available from November 1–30. This self-paced, military-inspired workout can be completed solo or with friends at any YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga location. The workout features a combination of full body strength and endurance exercises. On Veterans Day, the Downtown Family YMCA will also host a Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) in the PIT to honor fallen soldiers. This CrossFit-style workout, which is free and open to all YMCA members, will be offered at three different times: 5 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.
VETERANS DAY POOL WOD “ROCKET”: A Water and Land Combo Workout
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is offering a Pool WOD called "Rocket" to honor Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron "Rocket" Henderson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2012. This special workout, available during Veterans Day Weekend, combines water and land exercises. A designated Wall of Honor will be set up at the pool and/or each branch lobby, where members can write messages of dedication to veterans and active service members.
Additional Perks for YMCA Military Members
• Free Veterans Day T-Shirt: Active, retired and veteran members, who are YMCA members, can stop by to receive a special edition Veterans Day T-shirt on November 11 at participating YMCA locations: Downtown Family Y, Hamilton Family Y, North River Family Y and Cleveland Family Y. While supplies last. Must be a YMCA member.
• Handcrafted Postcards for Veterans: Throughout the month, children in YMCA Child Watch are creating patriotic postcards, which will be delivered to YMCA military households as a heartfelt thank you for their service.
At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, all military members receive 10 percent off monthly dues and no join fee, year-round. New members who join during the special November promotion will receive a free month (November only) of membership when they present valid military ID.
For more information on the Veterans Day events and to access the workouts, visit https://www.ymcachattanooga.org/here-our-heroes-celebrating-veterans.
YMCA member and Air Force Veteran Mita Martin sits with her children at the Hamilton Family YMCA