VA hosts first Health Problem to honor veterans

FLOWOOD, miss. (WLBT) – No gritty programs Thursday for former service members in the VA’s recreational therapy program.

Veterans Day honored her by promoting health and wellbeing. The first Fitness Challenge brought the military branches together for an event all about body, mind and soul.

“Interacting with other veterans is a positive thing,” said Titus Therman.

The Vietnam vet spends part of Veterans Day participating in the VA’s Fitness Challenge at the Flowood YMCA. The 72-year-old trains here regularly and is happy to be among former service members.

“When you’re accessible and your veterans and your friends see and things like that, it inspires you a little and keeps you on your tiptoe,” said Therman.

The VA’s Recreational Therapy Program wanted to honor veterans by promoting help, wellbeing, and a little fun. More than 40 veterans took part in the Fitness Challenge.

“Being able to come here helps us remember why we did it and what we did,” said Ed Douglas.

The U.S. Marine Corps veteran served seven years during the Vietnam era and signed up for the event to remember his military family.

“It is a time to think about my family. My father was in the Navy, ”said Douglass. “I have an uncle who was in the Navy and a couple of cousins ​​and everything that was in the Marine Corps.”

Veterans Administration’s head of recreational therapy, Dr. Devonda Elliot, organized the event to give veterans something special to look forward to on this Veteran’s Day.

“We wanted to try something different this year. So we wanted to honor them and celebrate all of their hard work and service, but not as part of a traditional program, ”said Elliot. “We will continue to empower our veterans and keep them where they are mobile, on the move, and more dedicated to keep them out of the hospital.”

Veterans were also given vaccines and booster shots. The day of fun and exercise was followed by a recognition program and lunch.

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