V E T E R A N S S E R V I N G V E T E R A N S

C o m b a t i n g P o s t T r a u m a t i c S t r e s s D i s o r d e r T h r o u g h E x e r c i s e & F i t n e s s

Operation Vet - Fit

120 Greenwood Ave

Bethel, CT 06801

Phone: 203-994-2987

E-Mail: danielgaita@comcast.net Web: www.bethelfitness.com

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Combat Related

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Understanding The Problem

Combat PTSD Disease

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.

References: Thomas JL et al. Archives of General Psychiatry 2010; 67(6): 614-23 Hoge CW et al. JAMA 2006; 295:1023-32

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Discovering Solutions

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. Operation Vet Fit aims to provide free 24/7 fitness center usage, personal training, group fitness seminars, and team oriented fitness events for returning combat veterans suffering from PTSD from the Bethel, Danbury and Redding, Connecticut areas.

References: 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.2011.02.340

Operation Vet Fit Founder, Dan Gaita and his daughter Sophia gather above with fellow combat veterans, HM3 Todd Angell, Marines, 1stSgt. Brandon Eckardt, Cpl Thomas Burke and Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea following the May 19th 2012 5K Memorial Tribute Run held in Bethel CT.

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About the Faci l i ty

About Operation Vet-Fit Founder

Private Studio Fitness, located in Bethel, CT is a 3,000+ Sq.Ft., 24/7 Fitness facility. The facility provides a full line of industrial high-end cardiovascular equipment. Commercial grade free-weights, cable machines and all necessary apparatus to safely and effectively implement a guided, safe and effective fitness program for our disabled combat veterans. In addition, the facility provides flat screen TV’s 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 facility’s 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 economically priced re-fueling snacks and drinks are always available. The facility web page is located here: www.bethelfitness.com

Operation Vet-Fit was founded by disabled Marine Corps veteran and Private Studio Fitness creator, Daniel R. Gaita. Dan is a veteran of Military Operation in Bosnia, Somalia, and Haiti and served as a Forward Scout Observer from 1992-1996.

Dan has been a Certified Personal Trainer since 1994, and has worked in the fitness industry in every capacity following his Honorable Discharge in 1996. In addition to his Personal Training Certification, he is also Pre/Post Natal, and Weight Management Certified and is a recognized Master Level Trainer through the IDEA Personal Trainer Recognition System. He also holds a Diploma in Fitness and Nutrition, an Associate Degree in Science, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. More about Dan can be found here: http://bethelfitness.com/dan.htm

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How it ’s working

Founder, Dan Gaita, has transformed his once “for profit” fitness center into a non-profit operation which enables existing members the opportunity to improve their health and fitness while also contributing to the health and fitness of our serviced combat veterans. The currently working scenario provides free memberships for combat veterans with service-connected disabilities, PTSD or TBI. Individual sponsors and various veterans support agencies are being counted on to provide the funding to cover the cost associated with providing the facilities and services to the enrolled combat veterans. The current program covers all costs associated with providing the facilities, equipment, space, programs and utilities for the serviced combat veteran population each veteran will receive:

• Free unlimited 24/7, 365 fitness facility usage • Free monthly personal training sessions • Free fitness assessment and fitness program design • Free monthly seminars • Free periodic team fitness events and challenges

**Operation Vet Fit has no paid staff, no employees and all services are being provided to enrolled veterans on a voluntary basis. **

How You Can Help

Contributions to Operation Vet-Fit inc. can be made in any amount. Currently, Operation Vet Fit is a Non-Stock Corporation in CT and applying for federal non-profit status under 501 C(3). Contributions can be made payable to: “OPERATION VET FIT” Mailed To: Daniel R. Gaita 121 Dodgingtown Rd Bethel CT 06801