Veteran Sponsorship Program
Our veterans and active duty military members are an especially precious commodity, but the fact is, these warriors also disproportionately shoulder some tough mental and physical challenges: Nearly one in every five Iraq and Afghanistan veteran suffers from PTSD or major depression. Veterans Administration studies continue to verify that veterans are more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans. And reports of sexual assault within the military services continue to rise.
Fortunately there are some great people and organizations dedicated to enabling and sustaining the long-term health of our veteran population--including some that are VERY local. Did you know? Dragonfly instructors have personal experience using yoga to build resilience among military and veteran communities. Becca Childress--a veteran herself--works at Headquarters Marine Corps incorporating elements of yoga into the design of Marine Corps programs for operational stress management. Becca also leads our weekly veteran-focused Yoga for Warriors class in partnership with the Team Red White and Blue Fredericksburg Chapter.
Overall, the benefits of yoga for military veterans are well-documented. As a result, more and more active duty military members and veterans are incorporating yoga in their lives--both as an element of their fitness routines and as a means to heal mental and physical wounds. Want to know more? Or maybe you know a veteran who could benefit from yoga? Click here to check out a great article on the unique benefits of yoga for veterans along with the resources to get started.
how our program works
As of June 2019, Dragonfly Yoga Studio has committed to sponsoring four active duty military members or veterans per year with fully-paid one-year memberships. This is not about advertising or marketing so our sponsored warriors will always remain anonymous. Solicitations for nominations are taken year-round and selections are made twice a year: two veterans/military members are chosen in May (on Memorial Day) and two more are selected in November (on Veterans Day). A volunteer panel made up of people with close ties to the veteran community, mental health professionals, and others helps us choose the most deserving selectees.
A special thanks goes out to Bouchard and Associates (904 Princess Anne St., Suite 101) for their support to the Dragonfly Veteran Sponsorship Program. In addition to serving as a selection panel member, Bouchard & Associates has donated yoga class passes and yoga mats to multiple nominees, significantly expanding the support to nominees beyond those selected for an annual membership.
We’re currently accepting nominations for future selections. Do you know someone who needs to be introduced to yoga, or who could use more yoga in their lives? Use the form below to submit your nomination.
