YMCA Honors Veterans with Here for Our Heroes Program

In honor of Veterans Day and National Veterans and Military Families Month, the YMCA is showing that it’s “Here for Our Heroes” with a month of specials and community-building programs. Active military, veterans and retired military members will get November free at the Y when they join as new members between November 1st and November 17th.

“The YMCA is proud to serve as a welcoming community for veterans, military personnel and their families, offering programs and events designed to honor their sacrifice and service,” officials said.

“I met veterans and active duty military at the YMCA. By being a member here, you will have this community. You build close relationships with people here,” said Mita Martin, a veteran and YMCA member who recently shared why she enjoys coming to the YMCA. “Almost all the staff here know my kids, and my kids love everyone here. We love 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 was 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 or have served in the military.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Y is offering a variety of events and initiatives throughout November:

SWEAT FOR THE VET: Military Style Workout

This month the YMCA is hosting a special “Sweat for a Vet” workout from November 1st to 30th. This personal military-style workout can be done alone or with friends at any YMCA location in metropolitan Chattanooga. The workout includes a combination of full-body strength and endurance exercises. On Veterans Day, the Downtown YMCA will also host a Hero WOD (workout of the day) at PIT to honor fallen soldiers. This CrossFit-style workout, free and open to all YMCA members, will be held at three different times: 5 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.

VETERANS DAY POOL WOD “ROCKET”: combined training on water and land

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is offering a pool tournament called “The Rocket” in honor of 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 on-water and land-based exercise. A special Wall of Honor will be installed in the pool and/or lobby of each branch where members can write messages of devotion to veterans and active military personnel.

Additional Benefits for YMCA Military Members

• Free Veterans Day T-shirt: Active YMCA members, retirees and veterans can stop by and receive a special Veterans Day T-shirt on November 11th at participating YMCA locations: Downtown Family Y, Hamilton Family Y, North. River Family Y and Cleveland Family Y. While supplies last. Must be a member of the YMCA.

• Handmade Cards for Veterans: Throughout the month, children from YMCA Child Watch are creating patriotic cards that will be delivered to YMCA military families 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 year-round and no initiation fee. New members who join during the November special promotion will receive a free month of membership (November only) upon presentation of a valid military ID.

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