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2014 Operation Vet Fit Annual Report29

Executive Summary

Operation Vet-Fit's mission is to assist our nation's combat veterans, active duty members and affected family members through exercise, fitness, and group based motivational activities and events. Operation Vet-Fit is accomplishing this mission through free fitness club memberships, personal training, group training and group based motivational events and excursions geared toward fostering a healthy transition following combat service. Additionally, we serve as a free liaison supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities by assisting in the process of locating, accessing, and navigating the many available veterans benefits currently being offered.

VISIONTo embolden our next generation and inspire a greater future for all who have served our nation in combat.

VALUESPurpose . Achievement . Service . Integrity

Contents

Executive Summary1Contents2Situation4Mission6Execution8Financials9Founding Board Members11Advisory Board Members13Overview of those we serve19Measures of Success20Camaraderie Building Events24Bipartisan Congressional Support30Community Awards and Recognition32Grants33Forward Thinking34

The combat veteran has proven, through actions, not words, a willingness to sacrifice his or her life for the protection of ours- Dan GaitaFounder, Operation Vet Fit

Situation Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a kind of anxiety triggered by a traumatic event causing extreme shock, fear, or a feeling of helplessness. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately 1 in every 30 US adults develops PTSD every year.

The risk for combat war veterans is significantly greater with some reports suggesting that about 1 in every 4 service men and women returning from Iraq or Afghanistan will develop at least one combat-related problem such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Recent studies highlight that At 12 months following combat, the prevalence of mental health problems among veterans does not abate, and in many cases increases. The far-reaching consequences of these disturbing findings touch the returning soldiers, their families, and their peers.

Researchers have continually found exercise can be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Doctors are increasingly prescribing exercise for the prevention and treatment of many diseases as it can alleviate the stress that exacerbates many symptoms and promotes physical fitness, which helps with resiliency.References:Thomas JL et al. Archives of General Psychiatry 2010; 67(6): 614-23Hoge CW et al. JAMA 2006; 295:1023-321. 58th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, 2nd World Congress on Exercise is Medicine.2. "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Coronary Atherosclerosis, and Mortality" Naser Ahmadi, MD, MS, Ramin Ebrahimi, MD et al"American Journal of Cardiology". published online 02 May 2011. doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.02.340

We can STOP this

Mission

Physical & Mental - Operation Vet Fit provides a free 24/7 fitness center, personal training, group fitness seminars, team oriented motivational fitness events, and stress reducing outdoor and social excursions for returning combat veterans and their affected family members; especially those suffering from Combat PTSD, TBI, and other visible and invisible service connected disabilities.Photo Credit: John Frey

Social Additionally, we continue to serve as a free liaison supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities by assisting in the process of locating, accessing, and navigating the many available veterans benefits currently being offered.We shall continue to work within our served communities to aid in civilian life reintegration through social service, mentoring programs and volunteerism while identifying and engaging in opportunities geared toward fostering a sense of continued and improved purpose amongst our member veterans.

Photography Provided By Lydia Patry

Execution

Bricks and Mortar - The first location, Private Studio Fitness, is located in the heart of downtown Bethel, CT. It is a beautiful 3,000+ Sq., 24/7 Fitness center with full security and surveillance measures in place as well as a crowd capacity control mechanism.

The facility provides a full line of industrial high-end cardiovascular equipment. Commercial grade free-weights and cable machines. All necessary apparatus are available to safely and effectively implement a guided, safe and effective fitness program for our combat veterans.

In addition, the facility provides flat screen TVs in front of all cardio equipment with cable as well as Direct TV, sports and news packages. Wi-Fi access is free of charge and Pandora radio is streaming through the facilitys controllable audio system via an IPad that stands ready for general use by patrons.

Electronic key fob access and automated 24 hr. surveillance provide a safe and easily accessible point of entry. Automated lighting and complete climate control provides for ease and comfort during use.

Complimentary fresh towels, free coffee and re-fueling snacks and drinks are always available.

Programs and Services - Founder, Dan Gaita, has transformed his once for profit fitness center into a non-profit operation which enables existing community donor members the opportunity to improve their health and fitness while also contributing to the health and fitness of our combat veteran members.

We host a variety of regular physical, and social activities including but not limited to:

5Ks Golf Outings Recognition Dinners Luncheons Camping Trips NCAA Basketball NCAA Football River Rafting Trips

Veterans Assistance Operation Vet Fit aids its member combat veterans through the burdensome process of obtaining and utilizing the many available programs, services and benefits currently available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, State of CT resources, and other local agencies that serve the combat veteran population.

FinancialsOperation Vet Fit is proud to announce that it continues to utilize an all-volunteer force to fund, design, implement, and manage the entirety of its charity. Revenues (July 1st 2013 June 30th, 2014)

2013-2014 Expenses (July 1st 2013 June 30th, 2014)

Founding Board Members

Daniel R. Gaita, MA Founder & DirectorDan served in the United States Marine Corps from 1992-1996 as an Artillery Forward Scout Observer in the Fifth Battalion, Tenth Marine Regiment, deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in Operation Restore/Continue Hope in Somalia, Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia and also Operation Support Democracy in Haiti.Following his honorable discharge Dan went on to earn an Associates Degree in Science, a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from UCONN, Western Connecticut State University and a Graduate Degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.Dan is a AAAI/ISMA certified personal trainer, weight management specialist, pre/post natal certified, and a recognized master level trainer through IDEA.Dan has been active in the health and fitness industry for nearly 20 years serving in all roles from Maintenance Manager, Fitness Director, Assistant Manager, Manager, and Owner.Dan's Grandfather, Leonard Palmer,was an Ammunition Handler in the second beach-landing wave in Normandy, WWII. He fought for nearly two years in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe before being nearly fatally wounded and declining to receive the Purple Heart.Dans Great Uncle, Vincent Lasalva, was not as lucky and would be killed aboard ship in the Pacific Theatre by a Kamikaze attack.

Erin OMeara Gaita Co-FounderErin Gaita has 10+ years experience as an Executive Assistant. Her experiences in human relationships coupled with her background in psychology have made her contributions both necessary and instrumental in carrying out the mission of Operation Vet Fit. A dedicated mother of three girls, she is married to Marine veteran and Founder of Operation Vet Fit, Inc., Daniel Gaita. Erin has personal experience and compassion for the real effects combat has on our veterans, and is committed to being a true advocate.Credited by her husband as the catalyst to his investigating and understanding the impacts that PTSD has on veterans and their families, Erin has served an integral support role throughout the founding, formation and current facility functions of Operation Vet-Fit.Erin holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University. She is a certified personal trainer and holds group class certifications including Spinning and Pilates and has successfully trained for and completed both the 2010 and 2011 New York City Marathons as well as an endless list of half-marathons and other competitive athletic events.

Advisory Board Members

Sgt. Maj. Brandon Eckardt

- Active Duty LiaisonBrandon Eckardt enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1990. During his career in the Marine Corps Brandon has served in all four Marine Corps Divisions, in diverse assignments giving him a unique perspective on the dynamics that accompany a calling to fulfill the duties of a Marine for a lengthy time. With deployments to Somalia, Haiti, Yemen, East Timor and Iraq, Brandon has experience in a variety of expeditionary operations. Brandon is currently serving as the Squadron Sergeant Major for VMU-2 with 2D Marine Aircraft Wing in Cherry Point, North Carolina.Brandon holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Grand View University.Among the many professional military education schools completed during his career in the Marine Corps, Brandon is proud to have graduated from the first ever Marine Corps Sergeants Major Course. In his spare time, Brandon is an avid distance runner with the goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.Concerned with the ongoing issues plaguing combat veterans departing the active ranks, Brandon is committed to providing insight and assistance to this most honorable endeavor that seeks to identify sustainable solutions for veterans in need.

Lt. Col. Mike Zacchea

- Veterans Programs Outreach

Mike Zacchea was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1990. He served as a Forward Observer and Platoon Commander, deploying to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope and to Haiti for Operation Support Democracy. In March 2004, as a major he deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom II. His team's mission was to build, train, and lead in combat the first Iraqi army battalion trained by the US military. During this time the battalion participated in Operation Phantom Fury, the 2nd Battle of Fallujah. During the battle Mike was wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade, but declined to be medically evacuated.Mike's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor (with gold star in lieu of 2nd award), the Purple Heart Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous unit and campaign awards. Mike was also the first and at the time only American recognized by the Iraqi government by the Order of the Lion of Babylon. As a result of his wounds, Mike was medically retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.Mike's education includes an MBA from the University of Connecticut, an MA in Organizational Dynamics from Hawaii Pacific University, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. He is the Program Director of the University of Connecticut Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities.He is also involved in the creation of ConnectVets, Inc., a non-profit organization of veteran-owned businesses in the state of CT. He was appointed to a multi-agency cross-disciplinary working group chaired by the Commissioner of the CT Dept of Veterans Affairs to align veteran education, job-training, and workforce re-entry issues. The Small Business Administration recognized Mike as the 2011-12 Veterans Business Champion. Mike is the author of Veterans Advocacy: the Fight for Social Justice and Healing Through Activism in Healing War Trauma: A Handbook of Creative Approaches (Routledge: 2013).Mike has been featured in several documentaries and books about returning veterans, and has been interviewed in numerous national media venues discussing the war and related issues. He continues to be active in veterans affairs and Iraqi refugee affairs. Mike lives in Brookfield CT with his wife and son.HM3 Todd Angell- Combat Veterans LiaisonTodd Angell served in the United States Navy as a Combat Fleet Marine Force Corpsman attached to the 1st battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. Deployed September 2010 March 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.While deployed Angell served in direct combat operations participating in over 150 combat patrols providing battlefield aid to injured Marines, local nationals, and other coalition forces.Angell would go on to earn the nations third highest military award, the Silver Star and complete his term of active service with both honor and distinction.Today Angell is a college student and continues to serve in his community working as an Emergency Medical Technician preparing to become a Firefighter. He is an active member of Operation Vet-Fit, Help our Military Heroes, and Team Red, White & Blue.

Valerie Plue- Substance Abuse Resistance Advocate

Valerie is Vice President of Business Development for Williams Lea, a global corporate information solutions firm headquartered in NYC. Prior to joining Williams Lea, Valerie spent the majority of her career in publishing at Grolier publishing working her way up from an input clerk to Vice President of Manufacturing. Valerie's skill set include supply chain management, process re-engineering, budget management, vendor negotiation and procurement.Valerie is on the Board of Directors of Success Residential, a sober house for men in the Danbury area and also serves on the board of Directors of The Fellowship Center, a sober club in Danbury where 12 step meetings are held several times daily. Valerie is knowledgeable in navigating local detox facilities, sobering centers and rehabs that specialize in addictive behaviors.In addition to her experience with the above facilities, Valerie has been in recovery for 15 years and is active in helping others to get and stay sober.Valerie is enrolled in a college level Drug and Alcohol Recovery program of study to become a counselor. Valerie's brother Ray, served in the US Army and is a Vietnam combat veteran. Valerie's fianc, Tom served as a paratrooper and medic in the US Army and is also a Vietnam combat veteran. Her father, Raymond was also a combat veteran in the US Army.

HM3 Christina Marie Colla, Esq.- Legal Liaison

Christina Colla served in the United States Navy as a Corpsman from 2002-2006, before an injury/illness rendered her unable to deploy. She was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning several awards for her service.Since being discharged, she has gone on to earn her law degree with a concentration in health law from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, CT. Her ultimate goal is to advocate for veterans in the areas of health, benefits and employment - 3 areas that many veterans and their families struggle with everyday.Christina lives in New Milford with her service dog, Copper, who has been instrumental in assisting Christina with the effects of PTSD and some mobility issues. They have been very active throughout the community, and can be seen visiting the veterans in CTs two VA facilities.

Tracy DeLuise Personal Fitness Liaison

Tracy DeLuise is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Buti Yoga Instructor. Buti meaning The cure to something hidden or kept secret. Buti Yoga fuses tribal dance, plyometrics and yoga into an empowering workout. As a mother of three children Tracy is no stranger to hard work and a busy lifestyle. She is a Veteran of the United States Army and the Connecticut National Guard. She served her country as a Signal Support Specialist for 8 years.After serving in the Army, Tracy went on to start her family. She was certified as a personal trainer while 8 months pregnant with her second child back in 2001. Tracy decided to go back to school last year and attended Ridley Lowell Business and Technical Institute where she completed 900 hours of intense studies on Massage Therapy. She is currently working on her certification in Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy.Tracy also has certifications in Strength Training for Women, Exercise and Pregnancy and Kickboxing. She believes everyone can benefit from a healthy active lifestyle that includes exercise and massage!!

Joyce Allen Group Exercise Volunteer

Since the founding of Operation Vet Fit, Joyce has been a major supporter, both as volunteer and donor. Joyce provides weekly group Spin classes and assistance in fundraising activities.In addition to her volunteer assistance at Operation Vet Fit, Joyce is an avid competitor that has both placed and won multiple Marathons, Half-Marathons, Biathlons, and countless local, national and international athletic events.

Overview of those we serve

Operation Vet Fit stands at 73 Combat Theatre Veterans and Active Duty Personnel as of June 25th, 2014. We have served 75, two have since relocated outside of our State and current service area. Where They Served? 21 Vietnam 4 Somalia 4 Bosnia 1 Beirut 5 Gulf War 21 Iraq 21 Afghanistan 2 World Trade Centers September 11th, 2001 1 Sandy Hook Elementary School First ResponderMajor Awards For Valor and Sacrifice 1 Silver Star 15 Purple Hearts 6 Bronze StarsArmed Forces Branches Represented 3 Air Force 35 Army 10 Navy 24 Marine Corps 1 NYPD 1 FDNY

Measures of Success

Fitness Facility Besides our veterans utilizing the facility for over 2,000 workouts between July 31, 2013-May 31st, 2014, the facility has also served to carry out a variety of community-based functions including:Toy Drives for the annual Dorothy Day Santas Workshop that provided toys to over 800 needy families in the greater Danbury Area last Christmas. Food Collection for our area charity, Brotherhood in Action, which provides food to those that cannot afford to buy their own. Our food collection program is ongoing and our collaboration with other area charities to help the poor, hungry, and needy is both essential for the success of our community but equally for the successful reintegration of our volunteer combat veterans during these events.

For those that have come home from the battlefields, finding a sense of purpose tends to be the crucial link required for successful reintegration. We fully intend to continue to assist our veterans in finding what their purpose is. And doing so in a way that inspires the next generation and encourages leaders to emerge from the abyss of the suffering that accompanies the loss of purpose felt following combat action.

Student Veterans Organization of Western Connecticut State University has teamed up with us and provided a memorial Wall of Remembrance display that is featured inside the windows prominently displayed downtown along Bethels busy Greenwood Ave. The Wall of Remembrance includes the names of all service members killed in action since September 11th, 2001. Since being installed, the Wall has had a profound impact on our area veterans and residents that have been impacted by the wars since 9/11/01. Sadly, the entire display is 14 panels in size and the windows will only allow the display of six panels. As a result the remaining panels are on display inside the facility so that a day never goes by that we are not reminded of the continuous sacrifice that freedoms protection requires. Through collaboration with the WCSU Student Veterans Organization, the Wall will remain on display until it is requested for return by the University Veterans Organization.

Highlighted Personal Success Story for 2013-2014Meet Dan Welch, a United States Marine, Infantry Rifleman, enlisted in the Corps in 1966, and served in multiple combat tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Purple Heart three times, and earned both the Bronze Star and Navy Achievement Medals with Valor amongst other awards and decorations before completing his enlistment in 1970. While in Vietnam, his parents and siblings would receive calls and were continually harassed and tormented. Protestors told his parents that I hope your son dies in nam Well, he didnt die. Following his enlistment, Dan was also greeted by protestors, spat upon, and called, baby-killer amongst other things.Dan is like so many Vietnam Vets. He came home and tried to get back to a normal life. But it was so hard to keep everything that had happened in the war inside. There was no one to really talk to because the public just didnt want to know. There was no support, and this above all, was and is- what the Vietnam veteran needs. Relationships didnt work out, he has two wonderful sons from his first marriage, but it didnt last. It was difficult to find and hold onto jobs for the first several years. Over a period of six years, Dan learned the electrical trade and became licensed in that field. He earned a good living but there was something always separating him from others. There was no one to understand the need to be able to talk about what was inside overshadowed everything. It would be 21 years later in 1991, when a civilian doctor checking out his knee finally first thanked him for his service. It turns out the doctors father was also a combat veteran. In 2002 Dan would meet a very supportive and understanding woman through a mutual friend. Her name is Robin and she was the only person willing and able to sit and listen to his graphic recollections and painful memories of war.

Robin, a High School teacher of Science, Bio-Ethical Issues, and some forensics is an educated woman with a big heart and also three supportive children of her own. She strongly encouraged Dan to get enrolled into the VA Healthcare system and to sit down and talk with someone. In 2003 she would become Dans wife and this marriage is working. In Dans words, Robin is my saving grace that changed my whole life.On May 10th 2013 Dan became a member of the Operation Vet Fit family just prior to heading into open brain surgery and with no assurance that he would survive. Well, he did.Following his successful recovery from brain surgery, Dan had weighed 312 pounds. That was September 2013 when he began to follow an exercise program designed by Operation Vet Fit founder and fellow Marine, Dan Gaita. Today, April 30th, 2014 Dan is down 70 pounds and weighs 242. For Dan, Operation Vet Fit is more than a gym but rather an environment of like-minded men and women whom all had one thing in common, they served in the protection and defense of their nation and did so in an enemy territory. It also helps that the person whom founded and runs the operation is, himself, a US Marine. This rare type of commonality ceases to exist for many, yet in this environment it opens up the doors for all kinds of great conversation, most of which are certainly not suited for general audiences yet still instrumental in reestablishing a sense of brotherhood, which itself is commonly lost after service in the military. Camaraderie Building EventsOne key factor to the success of our programs is in the understanding that camaraderie, once lost following combat service, is a key element in social reintegration. The bond we share with one another is unbreakable for each of us has a history that has been forged through the alchemy of those whom served before us and this bond, this experience, can never be taken away. Thus we strive to re-ignite that same sense of brotherhood, except now its shared through recreational activity, far from the threat of combat, judgment, or misunderstanding. Operation Vet Fit provides fully funded, all expense paid get-a-ways for its combat theatre veterans. Last year we provided the following such events and opportunities:July 2013 Deerfield River rafting and camping trip. This trip runs for four days and is situated in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains in the North West corner of Mass. We camp in style, usually with an RV and all the amenities. River rafting along the calm section of the Deerfield River provides for five to eight hours of relaxation and recreation on the river. This event is a cure all for almost anyone. September 2013 Inaugural Golf Outing and Combat Veterans Recognition Dinner. This is our only fall fundraising event where we provide our combat veterans with a free round of golf, tournament style. Included in this day long sequence of recreational events are breakfast, a BBQ cookout lunch, followed by a combat veterans recognition dinner. Last year we raise about $10,000 and began building out new scholarship fund.

September 2013 Inaugural Lime Rock Park, Fall Weekend racing and camping inside the track. Situated in the beautiful hills of CTs Litchfield County, this event last for 3 full days and takes place inside the race-track. A golf cart is provided for our veterans to make their way comfortably around the venue which provides multiple viewing points to observe each of the weekend auto racing events. Food, Camping, Racing, and of course a fire.

November 2013 RV Ride and overnight stay following NCAA College Basketball and Football games over Veterans Day weekend. We rented a 25 RV for this Veterans Day Weekend of events. Day one we headed to Hartford to watch the UCONN Huskies play during its Veterans Appreciation Game. At half-time our veterans were brought to the field and the announcer along with tens of thousands of fans showed their appreciation for all those that served. Day two we headed back out in the RV for a VIP seating basketball game complements of Newtown Savings Bank. During this great event we got to spend some time with Bobby Valentine while watching the home team take a beating.

February 2014 NFL Super bowl in the Bunker. What better a way to enjoy the Super Bowl than with your brothers (and sisters) This event was a break-in event for our newly acquired bunker and veterans lounge.

May 2014 - Inaugural Lime Rock Park, Memorial Day Weekend racing and camping inside the track. We had such a great time last fall that we committed to doing it again in the spring. For obvious reasons we selected Memorial Day Weekend. For this event we were provided an RV by OVF volunteer and donor, Salvatore Fermo. This time around we upgraded to a six-passenger golf cart in order to provide transportation around the park for our guests, veterans, and donors.

May 2014 Bethel Memorial Day Parade. Following our 3rd annual 5K Tribute Run held the day prior, we gathered several of our veterans and donors and joined the Bethel Memorial Day Parade. This was a great opportunity to bring our veterans and donors together in front of our local community. Photo Credit Lydia Patry

June 2014 American Legion Golf Outing. In a showing of support, we provided an all expense paid day on the golf course for several of our veterans. The event was a fundraiser for the local Post 100 of the American Legion in Bethel CT. This event was carried out on a perfect CT summer day at the Candlewood Valley Country Club and was followed by a cook-out dinner at Bennett Park in Bethel CT.

May 2014 3rd Annual 5K Tribute Run: The annual run begins with a the National Anthem, and an emotional bag-pipe playing of Amazing Grace a bugle playing of Taps, followed by a ceremonial Firing Squad gun shot to send the runners off on a grueling course.Right from the start, runners are motivated and observed by several Color Guard details from Korean War Vets, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion members and include World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq War Veterans.Just after passing the delegation of veterans, runners will be cheered along by the rumbling of over 30 Harley Davidson Motorcycles, complements of the Danbury Harley Owners Group.The runners need all the motivation they can get prior to the steep and grueling first mile hill climb that takes them up Hoyts Hill and Governors Lane. Upon their arrival atop Governors Lane brave and exhausted runners will be handed a POW/MIA flag, which will be carried for the remaining duration of the event.Runners will make their way back to the next emotional trek, into and through the Center Cemetery, passing the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Monument while continuing around the entire perimeter of the cemetery In addition to paying tribute to Americas war dead, the event also serves as the primary spring fundraiser for 501(c)(3), Operation Vet-Fit, and The John Hogan Scholarship Fund, a Bethel based, Veteran owned non-profit charity that provides free fitness club memberships, personal training and motivational veterans group fitness programs for our area combat veterans and annual scholarships for local children and grandchildren of combat veterans. What adds to the significance of this tribute run is that there is no 1st Place, nor an Official Time, no runners wear race numbers, no prizes are awarded, and no water stations are provided throughout the course.Photos Provided By John Frey

Bipartisan Congressional Support OVF members must sometimes lean on their elected legislators for assistance with claims, healthcare, education, and benefits. As a result, we have established, via the OIF/OEF coalition, a wide network of legislative representatives and their respective aides that have become crucial in attaining effective remedies when needed. Last year we began to receive broad, bi-partisan congressional support and recognition for our services at the Federal, State and local levels. Below is just one of the congressional endorsement letters we received during the year:

Scholarships Awarded Inspired by United States Marine, Vietnam Veteran, Two-Time Purple Heart recipient, John Buzz Hogan, This year we were very proud to launch, build, and award our first ever $1,000 scholarship awards to two Bethel High School graduating seniors that met each of the criteria established under the John Buzz Hogan Scholarship Award: PURPOSE:To assist children or grandchildren of a currently serving or former combat Veteran.SELECTION CRITERIA:Male or Female Applicants must be under the age of 22. Applicants must be at least a C student. Participate in an institution sponsored extra-curricular activity. Have done or are currently involved in a community service program. Have been selected or have pending acceptance as a full-time student in an accredited post-secondary educational institution.HOW TO APPLY:Email all required information and attachments listed below to: danielgaita@comcast.net Application period is open with a deadline of March 20th annually:Applicants must submit a written essay of up to 200 words includes: A brief description of why the scholarship is needed. A brief description of the parent/grandparents combats service. Must submit a copy of parent/grandparents "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" a.k.a. "DD-214" to prove combat service (no other documents will be accepted). Course of study and future career plans. An undecided answer is acceptable as long as somesense of currentareas of potential interest are equally well explained. Some sense of why the candidate believes he/she is a candidate worthy of this scholarship. Brief description of community service experience(s).

Community Awards and Recognition

During the previous year, Operation Vet fit was nominated as Non-Profit of the year by two local agencies. The first nomination came in 2013 from our area online news outlet (The Bethel Patch); the second nomination coming earlier this year by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce. It is an honor to have our efforts noticed in or community, and we look forward to maintaining continued momentum toward a day when we can realize our goal of stopping veteran suicides through exercise, fitness, camaraderie, and in the attainment of a higher purpose through both hardship and resilience.Our motto: Per Aspera As Astra meaning, through hardship to the stars, is our call to arms for every combat veteran to believe and seek to find that purpose that drives effort while inspiring the next generation to greatness, fulfillment and achievement.

Grants Operation Vet Fit continues to apply for hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funds to continue and expand its mission and services. Even with broad federal and state backing, large grants have been unattainable thus far. Operation Vet Fit is a Gold Certified Member of GuideStar signifying our commitment to reporting transparency. Here is an overview of our grant request efforts, successes, and denials. Grants Applied For 2013-2104: Savings Bank of Danbury Awarded $1000 Home Depot Foundation Awarded $3,000 Disabled American Veterans Grant Request Denied Wounded Warrior Project Grant Request Denied Business Development For Veterans Grant Request Denied State Of Connecticut OPM Non Profit Grant Grant Request Denied Anthony Bauer Foundation - Grant Request Denied Disabled Veterans National Foundation - Grant Request Denied Wells Fargo Trust Administrator All Grant Request Denied Nike - Grant Request Denied Dalio Foundation - Grant Request DeniedForward Thinking

I was asked: Dan how do we get our vets to stop utilizing suicide as a final solution?

The answer appears rather simple. Help every veteran inculcate a sense of faith and purpose, then watch the seas part and witness the power of the God. Dan Gaita, Founder, Operation Vet Fit

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