2015 Operation Vet Fit Annual Report

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

1 2015 Operation Vet Fit Annual Report

www.operationvetfit.org

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 and veterans advocate supporting veterans with service-connected disabilities by assisting in the process of locating, accessing, and navigating the many available veterans benefits currently being offered.

VISION To embolden our next generation and inspire a greater future

for all who have served our nation in combat.

VALUES Purpose . Achievement . Service . Integrity



CONTENTS

Executive Summary .................................................................. 1

Contents ...................................................................................... 2

Situation ...................................................................................... 4

Mission ........................................................................................ 6

Execution .................................................................................... 8

Financials .................................................................................. 10

Founding Board Members ..................................................... 12

Advisory Board Members ...................................................... 14

Overview of those we serve ................................................... 21

Measures of Success ................................................................ 22

Highlighted Success Story - Leave No Man Behind .......... 24

Camaraderie Building Events ................................................ 25

Community Awards and Recognition .................................. 31

Grants ........................................................................................ 32

Forward Thinking .................................................................... 33



The combat veteran has proven, through actions, not

words, a willingness to sacrifice his or her life for the protection of ours

- Dan Gaita

Founder, 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): 614-23 Hoge CW et al. JAMA 2006; 295:1023-32

1. 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.2011.02.34

Combat PTSD Disease



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.

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.



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, 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 Veterans Recognition Dinners Veterans Social Luncheons Camping Trips NCAA Basketball games NCAA Football games River Rafting Trips Sports Car Races and Events



Combat Veteran 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 and federal agencies that serve the combat veteran population. Additionally, we act as an advocate in cases of veterans exploitation and or abuse.



FINANCIALS Operation 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 (Jan 1st 2014 Dec 31st, 2014)

Contributions, $37,033

Membership Dues, $41,949

Programs Service Fees,

$11,955

Grants, $2,600



2013-2014 Expenses (Jan 1st 2014 Dec 31st, 2014)

Revenues Expenses

2012-2013 $97,008 $95,101

2013-2014 $117,277 $99,719

2014-2015 $102,701 $93,755

$90,000

$95,000

$100,000

$105,000

$110,000

$115,000

$120,000 $

Revenues vs Expenses 2012-2015

Scholarships Awarded (2014), $2,000

Benefits Paid to or For Veterans, $23,307

Salaries, Wages & Benefits, $0

Professional Fees, $6,041

Veterans Fitness Center Rent, Utilities and

Maintanance, $55,064

Printing, Postage & Publications, $2,725

Other Expenses (990 Sched O), $4,637



FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS Daniel R. Gaita, MA Founder & Director Dan 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. Additionally, he is in the process of obtaining another masters Degree in Social Work at Fordham University and the University of Southern California.

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-Founder Erin 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 Liaison

Brandon 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 who in April 2015 completed one of his longtime goals of running 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 Liaison

Todd 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.

PVT Thomas C. Burke

- Chaplain

A Meritoriously promoted Marine Corps Boot camp graduate, in 2008 Thomas deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Squad Automatic Rifleman and Arabic cultural advisor.

After a few unfortunate traumatic events, Thomas was diagnosed with PTSD upon returning from his first deployment. Not to be deterred, he deployed again in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Designated Marksman and Pashto linguist.

Upon completion of this combat deployment, Thomas was a shell of the boy who left for war. Luckily the Marine Corps and his command decided he deserved help and was sent to the Department of Defense Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facility in San Diego, CA. After successful treatment, Thomas was ready to start becoming the man he was meant to be. After transitioning out of the Marine Corps and returning home, Thomas finally received his VA benefits after over a year of doubt.

In doing so he was able to complete his undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and English.



Currently, Thomas is in seminary at Yale Divinity School training to become an Episcopalian Priest and US Naval Chaplain.

As one of the earliest members of Op-Vet Fit, Thomas was able to utilize the programs and accessibility to benefits provided by such a great organization to further his successes and ease his transition into civilian life.

Thomas is an accomplished and published writer, and forever a student of the world. As a world traveler and with a proficiency in foreign languages Thomas has devoted his life to social justice and helping those without a voice.

He his honored to fulfill his role as Chaplain at Op-Vet Fit and is ready and willing to help any veterans in their spiritual and emotional recovery.

SPC Bradley Noone

- Outdoor Program Coordinator/Guide

Bradley Noone enlisted in the US Army in 2005 as an Infantryman. Immediately upon graduation from basic training he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon his return to the United States, he served another 6 years with the CT and FL Army National Guard and was honorably discharged after 8 years of service,

primarily with the 1-102 INF (MTN) of the CT Army National Guard. Leaving the military, Bradley takes with him a number of awards to include; The Combat Infantryman's Badge, and a pair of Army Commendation Medals.

Bradley incurred a number of injuries during his time in the service, to include; PTSD, TBI, Hearing Loss, a back injury, and a reconstructed ankle. He is a class of 2014 graduate from Western Connecticut State University with a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration and a minor in History, a 2014 graduate of SOLO Wilderness Medicine School with certifications as a Wilderness EMT. Bradley is also a published author of a chap book of poetry about his time in Afghanistan and the military.

Being active in the outdoors, Bradley has discovered the healing power that nature holds when dealing with combat and reintegration related stress. He is active with an organization who builds communities of veterans in the outdoors entitled Veterans Expeditions and hopes to bring this same mantra to Operation Vet Fit. His life's mission is to help other veterans find healthy coping mechanisms to dealing with their military and reintegration issues via the great outdoors



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

WHERE THEY SERVED:

- 1 WORLD WAR II - 1 KOREA - 25 VIETNAM - 6 SOMALIA - 6 BOSNIA - 1 BEIRUT - 5 GULF WAR - 24 IRAQ - 26 AFGHANISTAN - 2 WORLD TRADE CENTERS

SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2001 - 1 SANDY HOOK

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIRST RESPONDER

MAJOR AWARDS FOR VALOR AND SACRIFICE

- 1 SILVER STAR - 15 PURPLE HEARTS - 6 BRONZE STARS

ARMED FORCES BRANCHES REPRESENTED

- 3 AIR FORCE - 44 ARMY - 11 NAVY - 31 MARINE CORPS - 1 NYPD - 1 FDNY



MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Fitness Facility Besides our veterans utilizing the facility for over 2,000 workouts in the last year alone, the facility has also served to carry out a variety of community-based functions to foster a sense of purpose for our volunteer veterans and assist in post-service reintegration; including but not limited to:

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.

Advocacy Services During the last year, Operation Vet Fit invested a substantial proportion of its volunteer efforts toward the advocacy of a WWII Combat Veteran that was exploited by the State of CT Probate Court System. Through our collaboration with our elected State and Federal leaders and other veterans agencies like Purple Heart Homes, National Veterans Service Foundation and Work Vessels for Veterans, we rescued Louis J. Russo from an involuntary conservator that was assigned by the CT Probate Court whom stole his life savings, scrapped his personal property, illegally rented out his home, and kept him in a nursing home rather than a free VA hospital.



SSGT Louis J. Russos plight garnered local and State media attention and led to a continued call for Probate reform in the State of CT.

Currently, Operation Vet Fit provides the funding for Mr. Russos telephone, Internet, surveillance, Life Alert system, and any other needs he may call upon us for. You can review a synopsis of our advocacy for Mr. Russo at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4qq6QRUMkE

Direction and Motivation - 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 or honorable service to ones nation.



HIGHLIGHTED SUCCESS STORY - LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND Late September 2014 I was contacted by one of our OVF Member veterans, also our district State Representative, Dan Carter. He was seeking our assistance in helping a 96 year-old World War 2 combat veteran that had been involuntarily conserved by the CT Probate Court System, wrongfully placed in a nursing home that racked up a $108,000 bill and while he was being held in the nursing home, the court appointed conservator stripped his bank accounts clean, as well as his personal property and heavy building equipment.

Within the next 6 week period our agency contacted our elected representatives, the judge, Attorney General, VA, Department of Justices, and the Statewide Grievance Committee. OVF assisted, in tandem with the guidance of our State Officials, in aiding the veteran in filing a criminal complaint that is now under investigation with the CT State Police, a grievance complaint with the Statewide Grievance Committee, and a complaint to the Department of Justice.

By Veterans Day 2014 OVF had coordinated over 30 volunteers and raised the money needed to repair his home, return him home, and restore his sense of dignity. To date, OVF continues to cover

many of his bills, and continues to coordinate volunteer efforts to continually improve his home and quality of life.

Multiple investigations are still ongoing, and our WWII Veteran has become a source of both inspiration to others as well as a whistle blower on the corrupt state of CT Probate Court affairs that has amplified the investigation and overhaul of the CT Probate Court System at the legislative level.

His story gained wide local media attention and appeared on the front page of our local paper, The Danbury News Times, over a half dozen times as well as



a TV media story that aired on CTs WFSB News Channel 3.

CAMARADERIE BUILDING EVENTS One key factor to the success of OVF 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 expenses paid get-a-ways for its combat theatre veterans. Last year we provided the following such events and opportunities:

May 17th 2014 3rd Annual 5K Memorial Tribute Run. An emotional 5K (3.1mile) Tribute Run in memory of all of Americas War Dead.

The run begins with the National Anthem, and an emotional bagpipe playing of Amazing Grace. A bugle playing of Taps followed by a ceremonial Firing Squad gunshot 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 are cheered along by the rumbling of over 30 Harley Davidson Motorcycles, complements of the Danbury Harley Owners Group.

The runners get all the motivation they can soak in prior to the steep and grueling first mile hill climb that takes them up Hoyts Hill and Governors Lane.

Other methods of motivational support are present along the route during the hill climb and will serve as reminders of the sacrifices of those who died in defense of our nation.

Upon their arrival atop Governors Lane each exhausted runner is handed a POW/MIA flag which will be carried for the remaining duration of the event.



Runner make their way back down Hoyts Hill, down Greenwood Ave and take a left onto Nashville Road, a quick right onto South Street and then for 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 returning onto and continuing down South Street, making a right onto Blackman Ave and a right again onto Elizabeth Street where runners will finish where they started, across the tracks from Bethel Cycle.

In additional to paying tribute to Americas war dead, the event also serves as the primary spring fundraiser for Operation Vet-Fit, and The John Hogan Scholarship Fund.

All the contributing businesses and volunteers understand the gravity of this event and they have stepped up in a big way to help us make it a success.

What adds to the significance of this tribute is that there is no 1st Place, nor an Official Time, no runners will wear race numbers, no prizes will be awarded, and no water stations will be provided throughout the course.

This is but one way to pay tribute to those brave men and women that never came home from the battlefields. It is the very least we can do, and I commend the many runners that have already taken part in this honorable event. It will certainly be one that they will not soon forget.



August 2014 UCONN Season Opener in Party Bus Thanks to a very generous donation from the University of Connecticut Athletics, we were able to provide our veterans with an all expense paid party bus trip to UCONNs 2014 season opening home football game in Hartford, CT while meeting some of the former football team alums.

September 15th 2014 2nd Annual 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.



September, December and March Comedy Night Dinner For this event we invite our veteran members and their significant others for a night of food, beverages, and laughs at Bethels Putnam House Restaurant. These events have proven both cost effective and instrumental in allowing our veterans spouses to meet, catch up and discuss the challenges and benefits of being in a relationship/marriage/family with a combat theatre veteran.

September 19th - 22nd 2014 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 racetrack. 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.

March 13th 2015 American Legion Post 100 Annual Game Dinner For this event we cover the cost of event tickets for our veterans. This is also another valuable event that gets our veterans in contact with others in



the veteran and veterans support community. Our local Legion post members are leaders in the community and also carry out most of the municipalities patriot functions.

May 22nd 25th 2015 - 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. This time around we upgraded to a six-passenger

golf cart in order to provide transportation around the park for our volunteers, veterans, and donors.

July 24th 27th 2015 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, but a true source of great comaradierie building, laughs,brotherhood, & a much needed exhale for OVF vets from the daily grind



JOHN BUZZ HOGAN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Inspired by United States Marine, Vietnam Veteran, Two-Time Purple Heart recipient, John Buzz Hogan,

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: [email protected] 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 some sense of current areas 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 in 2014 by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce.

During 2014, Operation Vet Fit was recognized as a Guide Star, Great Nonprofits, Top Rated

Nonprofit.

Additionally, due to our reporting and transparency methods, the Guide Star Exchange certified us as a Gold Participant.

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.



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 endorsements large grants have been unattainable thus far.

Here is an overview of our grant request efforts, successes, and denials.

Grants Applied For 2014-2015:

Savings Bank of Danbury Awarded $1000

Anthony F. Bauer - $1,600 Home Depot Foundation -

$5,000 (July 2015) Bristol-Myers Squibb

Pending Lockheed Martin Pending Maximus Foundation Pending Purple Heart Foundation Pending Tyson Corp Pending Ford Corporation - Pending RGK Foundation Grant Request Denied Coca Cola - Grant Request Denied SC Johnson Philantropy - Grant Request Denied Bank of America Philanthropic Giving - Grant Request Denied Wounded Warrior Project Grant Request Denied George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation Grant Request Denied CSX Grant Request Denied David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund - Grant Request Denied Lowes Charitable Foundation - Grant Request Denied Walgreens All Grant Request Denied Dalio Foundation - Grant Request Denied Diebold Foundation - Grant Request Denied Dr Scholl Foundation - Grant Request Denied Ben & Jerrys Foundation - Grant Request Denied Newmans Own - Grant Request Denied Veterans Service Foundation - Grant Request Denied Disabled Veterans National Foundation - Grant Request Denied



FORWARD THINKING For the upcoming year, Operation Vet Fit is planning a major relocation and expansion of services in what we are calling Bridge the Gap Our goal is to be able to reach as many of our active duty service men and women that are preparing to transition back into the civilian world; To provide them with the information, contacts, and liaisons they will need to be most

successful following their service in our various combat theatres. To accomplish this next mission we will be selling our fitness center in Bethel CT and relocating our headquarters to South Carolina where we will have closer proximity to many of the east coast military establishments and active duty personnel.

Simultaneously, we will be negotiating the sale of the donated OVF fitness center assets to one of our very own veteran members who has generously agreed to keep the fitness center free and available for our existing 91 current veterans.

As a result, OVF will have its first official satellite fitness center location and our first OVF member fitness center owner.

And yes, I still envision an OVF center in every State of America being operated by a purpose driven combat veteran still looking to serve his fellow combat theatre veterans.

Our motto: Per Aspera As Astra meaning, through hardship to the stars. 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.

This is who we are this is what we do!

Dan Gaita, Founder, Operation Vet Fit

Documents

2015 Operation Vet Fit Annual Report