YMCA celebrates veterans with ‘Here For Our Heroes’ programs

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 offers and community-building programs. Active military, veterans and retired military personnel receive November free at the Y when they sign up as a new member between November 1 and November 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 sacrifices and service,” officials said.

“At the YMCA I met veterans and active duty members. When you’re a member here, you get that community. You build close relationships with the people here,” said Mita Martin, a veteran and member who recently shared why she enjoys coming to the YMCA. “Almost all the employees here know my children, and my children love everyone here. We enjoy coming to the YMCA.”

Mrs. Martin has been a member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga for several years and is an Air Force veteran. 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 honor of Veterans Day, the Y is offering a variety of events and initiatives throughout the month of November:

SWEAT FOR A VET: A Military Inspired Training

This month the YMCA is hosting a special Sweat for a Vet training, available from November 1 to 30. This military-inspired, self-paced workout can be completed alone or with friends at any YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga location. The training consists of a combination of strength and endurance exercises for the entire body. On Veterans Day, the Downtown Family YMCA will also host a Hero WOD (Workout of the Day) at the PIT to honor fallen soldiers. This CrossFit-style workout, which is free and open to all YMCA members, is offered at three different times: 5 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m.

VETERANS DAY POOL WOD “ROCKET”: a combination training of water and land

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga offers a Pool WOD called “Rocket” in honor of Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron “Rocket” Henderson, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in 2012. This special training, available during Veterans Day Weekend, combines water and land exercises. A special Wall of Honor will be set up at the pool and/or lobby of each facility, where members can write messages of dedication to veterans and active military personnel.

Additional benefits for YMCA military members

• Free Veterans Day T-shirt: Active, retired and veteran members, who are YMCA members, can stop by November 11 to receive a special edition Veterans Day T-shirt 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.

• Handmade Postcards for Veterans: Throughout the month, YMCA Child Watch children will create 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 a 10 percent discount on monthly dues and no dues year-round. New members who join during the special November promotion will receive a free month (November only) of membership when they present a valid military ID.

For more information about the Veterans Day events and access to the training, visit