Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
MISSION
Operation Vet-Fit's mission is to assist our nation's combat veterans, active duty members and
affected family members through advocacy, exercise, fitness, and group based motivational activities
and events. Operation Vet-Fit is accomplishing this mission through free fitness club memberships,
and camaraderie 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 combat 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
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CONTENTS
Executive Summary .................................................................. 1
Contents ..................................................................................... 2
Situation ...................................................................................... 4
What we do ................................................................................ 7
Testimonials ............................................................................... 8
Community Awards and Recognition.................................... 9
Background The OVF Story .............................................. 12
Fitness Facilities ...................................................................... 16
Highlighted Success Story Mission Accomplished ......... 22
Financials .................................................................................. 24
Revenues Jan 1st Dec 31st, 2015 ......................................... 24
Annual Tax Return: 2015 IRS Form 990 EZ ..................... 26
Board of Directors .................................................................. 28
Advisory Board ........................................................................ 30
State Representatives .............................................................. 36
Overview of those we serve .................................................. 38
Grants ....................................................................................... 40
Forward Thinking ................................................................... 41
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SITUATION
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM5) (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013) provides the diagnostic criteria for PTSD which includes a history of exposure to
a traumatic event that meets specific stipulations and symptoms from each of four symptom clusters:
intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and
reactivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
PTSD Symptom Clusters
-
Intrusion symptoms. Intrusion symptoms are defined as the re-experiencing of symptoms via
recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the/an event(s) (American Psychiatric
Association, 2013). Re-experiencing includes memories of the traumatic event, recurrent dreams
related to it, flashbacks or other intense or prolonged psychological distress.
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Consideration of Symptoms. We have also learned that PTSD symptoms such as negative
alterations in cognition, irritable behavior, angry outburst, recklessness, self-destructive behavior,
sleep disturbances, impairment in social
functions are commonly observed in
combat veterans exposed to traumatic
environments. Additionally, there are the
accompanying symptoms of fear, guilt,
sadness, shame, confusion, and avoidance
of social functions, people, conversations,
or even interpersonal situations that arouse
recollections of the trauma/abuse
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013,
pp. 274-275)
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Treatment. Evidence based treatments, such Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma
Focused Therapy (TFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Repossessing (EMDR) as well as
other standard and individualized psychotherapy techniques are being widely used today by
mental health professionals to free victims of combat trauma from the long-term and lingering
symptoms suffered as a result (Institute of Medicine, 2008; Kuehn, 2008; Cahill, & Foa, 2007;
Rausch, & Foa, 2005).
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th
ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Cahill, S. P. & Foa, E. B. (2007). PTSD: Treatment efficacy and future directions. Psychiatric
Times, 24(3), 32 34.
Institute of Medicine (IOM). (2008). Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: An assessment of the
evidence. Washington, D. C.: The National Academies Press.
Kuehn, B. M. (2008). Scientists probe PTSD effects, treatments. Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA), 299(1), 23 26.
Rausch, S. & Foa, E. (2005). Encyclopedia of cognitive behavior therapy. New York, NY: Springer
Science +Business Media, Inc. doi: 10.1007/0-306-48581-8_86.
Combat
PTSD
Disease
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WHAT WE DO
Physical & Mental - Operation Vet Fit provides
referral services to our area agency mental health
specialists, free fitness center memberships, team
oriented motivational fitness events, and stress reducing
outdoor social excursions for returning combat veterans
working through PTSD and other visible and invisible
service connected injuries.
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TESTIMONIALS
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FITNESS FACILITIES
The first location, Bethel Wellness Center, is located in the heart of downtown Bethel, CT. It is a
beautiful 3,000+ Sq., 24/7 Fitness center. Formerly the headquarters for Operation Vet Fit, the
facility and its equipment were sold on July 1st, 2015 to an Operation Vet Fit Army veteran of
operations in Bosnia.
The facility is still provided, free of charge to OVFs
first 98 Combat and combat theatre veterans and
provides a full line of industrial high-end
cardiovascular equipment, commercial grade freeweights 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.
COMBAT 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 resources, and other emerging
local and federal agencies that serve
the combat veteran population.
Additionally, we act as an advocate
in cases of veterans exploitation and
or abuse.
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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
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 and opportunities for its
combat veterans:
Elementary School
Veterans Day Visits
Many local schools like
to teach their students
about Veterans Day,
what it means, and
what we do. We are
often invited to visit
the schools, provide
keynote speeches and
to greet the children as
they enter the school.
Often we are asked to
visit their classrooms
to discuss uniforms,
how we travel, and
what some of our
missions are. Showing
the kids how to use an
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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.
Membership
Dues, $29,257
Programs
Service
Fees, $8,715
Revenues
Expenses
2012-2013
$97,008
$95,101
2013-2014
$117,277
$99,719
2014-2015
$102,701
$93,755
2015-2016
$113,360
$70,056
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Fitness Center(s)
Rent,
Memberships,
Utilities, and
Equipment
$30,977
Professional
Fees, $2,198
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Complete IRS Form 990EZ and all schedules can be located here:
http://www.operationvetfit.org/legalfinancial/
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Daniel R. Gaita, MA - Founder
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 and Bachelors Degree
in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and
Western Connecticut State University. He later went on
to complete his first Graduate Masters Degree in
Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University
and is currently working on his second Masters Degree
in Clinical Social Work from combined studies at
Fordham University and the University of Southern
California. Dan has participated in Military Clinical
Skills training and participates in research currently
being conducted through the Center for Innovation
and Research on Veterans and Military Families.
Dan was a AAAI/ISMA certified personal trainer,
weight management specialist, pre/post natal
certified, and a recognized master level trainer
through IDEA for over twenty years and has been
active in the health and fitness industry for over
twenty years serving in all roles from Maintenance
Manager, Fitness Director, Assistant Manager,
Manger, 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. Dan's
Great Uncle, Vincent Lasalva, was not as lucky and
would be killed aboard ship in the Pacific Theatre by
a Kamikaze attack. His uncle, H. Palmer served in
Vietnam.
Dan now dedicates his life to the service of our
combat veterans through Operation Vet Fit, and
through his various other veterans agency
affiliations. He is a ten-year member of the American
Legion as well as a member of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the
Marine Corps League. Has is currently serving as
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ADVISORY BOARD
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 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.
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STATE REPRESENTATIVES
Kevin Kirk - California
Kevin Served in the United States Navy from
2009-2015, where he humbly operated as a
United States Nave SEAL, During his time in the
Navy, Kevin had the privilege of serving on the
highly decorated SEAL TEAM 10, where he had
the opportunity to travel to both the good and
bad regions this world has to offer., This led to a
deep appreciation of American values and
opportunities.
Since exiting the military,
Kevin has developed an
aggressive entrepreneurial
mindset and has launched
four start-ups within a year
of his military exit. Two of
these start-ups have been
award winning, including a
competitive contest
sponsored by Google, as
well as winning the title
"Best Start Up in San
Diego". He looks forward to
attacking the business world
with the same energy and
vigor that he channeled in
the military.
Kevin holds a bachelor's
degree in Sociology and a
minor in Criminal Justice.
He has also completed many endurance events including a 50 kilometer Ultramarathon through the roughest terrain Vermont has to offer, as well as a full
Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2 mile run). He is currently
applying to top MBA programs to help develop his business skill and talent.
Upon his transition out of the military, Kevin was extremely disturbed by the lack of organization
and support during his exit. He is extremely determined to assist operation vet-fit in it's mission to
help streamline and offer guidance through this extremely challenging and fragile time in one's life.
Upon returning from Afghanistan in 2013, Kevin lost his brother Ryan Kirk and was offered full
access to the Vet-Fit gym in Bethel, CT. This service offered him a positive place to channel his pain,
and he has never forgotten how important the resource was at that time. He's looking forward to
help in the expansion of Vet-Fit to offer other's the same support, guidance, and positive outlet that
he was so graciously given.
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3 WORLD WAR II
1 KOREA
25 VIETNAM
8 SOMALIA
7 BOSNIA
1 BEIRUT
6 GULF WAR
25 IRAQ
30 AFGHANISTAN
2 WORLD TRADE CENTERS
SEPTEMBER 11 , 2001
1 SANDY HOOK
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FIRST
RESPONDER
TH
1 SILVER STAR
16 PURPLE HEARTS
7 BRONZE STARS
ARMED FORCES
BRANCHES
REPRESENTED
-
4 AIR FORCE
46 ARMY
13 NAVY
33 MARINE CORPS
1 NYPD
1 FDNY
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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 2015-2016:
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FORWARD THINKING
For the upcoming year, Operation Vet Fit is continuing a major expansion of services from our new
Headquarters located in Mount Pleasant, SC Our goal is to begin to establish a State
Representative Program, with a long-term goal of providing an Operation Vet Fit member liaison
in all 50 US States. This program will provide a point of contact in each participating State
Representatives area of operation. It will enable OVF to provide expandable services while also
promoting a sense of purpose, for participating OVF Combat Veteran members.
We are proud to announce that we accomplished all goals from last years forward thinking agenda.
We sold our fitness center in Bethel, Connecticut. As a result, OVF now has its first official satellite
fitness center location and our first OVF member fitness center owner.
As planned, We have relocated our headquarters to South Carolina as of June 2016 where we now
have closer proximity to many of the east coast military establishments and active duty personnel.
Additionally, we have established State Representatives in Connecticut, New York, California, South
Carolina, Virginia and DC.
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!
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