I have extensive national experience as a veterans advocate and activist. I am honored to have been part of Operation Vet-Fit at its inception. It is a genuine grass-roots veterans community helping local veterans. Dan Gaita has gone to extraordinary lengths to make Op Vet-Fit the best not-for-profit for veterans that he can. He and his wife Erin are sustained by their passion and sense of community and camaraderie with our local veterans. This is definitely a worth-while not-for-profit doing important work that goes beyond just a gym. The gym usage is simply a gateway to more extensive services for the important transition work of reintegrating veterans into a post-combat, post-military civilian role, through work-force re-entry opportunities and access to education benefits.
This great group of volunteers helped me in the past and now whenever I hear a veteran is in need, I automatically send them to these guys. They are a great asset to all veterans.
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I had an issue with my VA comp and pension paperwork and filing process so I contacted this organization for assistance. I spoke with Dan Gaita and after a phone call and then a brief meeting he drew up a roadmap for me and how he saw the process going in my case. With his assistance I was able to get the answers needed and the organization was a big help. Semper Fi
I recently had a problem with my employer not wanting to grant a reasonable accommodation for me to attend CPT appointments related to my service connected condition. I reached out to Dan Gaita and operation Vet Fit for help. Dan and his staff at operation Vet Fit immediately addressed my problem with a vigor and enthusiasm that is second to none. Through education, support and honoring the commitment that "No man is left behind " we were able to pressure a fortune 500 company to obey the law. Dan Gaita and staff are truly an invaluable resource for the veteran community. I strongly urge any veteran having an issue, or just a simple question to not hesitate to reach out and support Dan Gaita and operation Vet Fit.
Semper Fi
Barry R Thames
Operation Vet-Fit is one of the Greats. I would trust Daniel and Erin Gaita with my Life they are so passionate about what they do for our War Hero's and go above and beyond. Their tireless efforts are commendable and admirable. Thank you very much for giving these Combat Veteran's a vehicle to carry the transition from war zone to civilian life. As a former Veteran it is not a easy transition for many so this association with like minded vets gives piece of mind and hope for us all.
May God Bless you and your family so you may continue this honorable work for many years to come.
SP4 Joseph Schirmer US Army Veteran
Marines from Battery T, 5th Bn, 10th Marines met for a second reunion Labor Day weekend 2016 at Outer Banks, NC. Most Marines present served together in Mogadishu, Somalia(Operation Continue Hope) and Haiti(Operation Support Democracy). Some of us had not seen each other in over 20 years and came in from all over the nation including Oregon, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and New York.
This event was incredibly important and impactful in that it brought brothers-in-arms back together after so many years to share in experiences that have profoundly affected our lives.
It was in this rare setting and brief period of time that we could hold conversations in which we could not have had with any other and feel perfectly comfortable doing so. The experience was heart-felt, therapeutic, and rejuvenating to those long held, highly valued friendships.
We came together because of all this and we came together, some with personal financial hardship, with no expectations of assistance.
This is where organizations like Operation Vet Fit are so critically important. OVF founder, Dan Gaita, proactively and intentionally saw the opportunity to assist this event. And it's because of OVF's logistical, financial, and VA benefit educational/awareness support that the reunion was such a tremendous success. Even Hurricane Hermine couldn't undermine this event as it rolled over us.
So, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to MGySgt Michael Garcia for donating his home for this event and to OVF and its founders Dan & Erin Gaita for seizing this opportunity to positively impact our Marine veteran community. They truly demonstrate the value of taking care of our own.
Semper Fi and God Bless,
Jon Power
I've been a member of OVF for a few years now, and it has changed my life. Before joining, I had gotten up to 240lbs, was out of shape, unmotivated, and on the road to being booted out of the military. Dan Gaita gave me a few swift boots to the butt, and pushed me to the point that in 2014 I completed my 1st Spartan Race. Since then I have run several 5Ks and 2 10Ks. Without the motivation, camaraderie, and support of the members, I honestly don't know where I would be now. I have let myself slip in recent months, but I will remain in contact with Dan and continue my hard work at OVF. My current plan is to do another Spartan Race this year, if not complete my Spartan Trifecta. With the help of OVF the sky's the limit! Thank you Dan, and thank you OVF!!
I reached out to the organization for assiatnce in writing my comp and pension submission forms for the VA a few months back. Mr. Gaita helped me in person and via emails, answered each of my questions in detail and even followed-up with me a month later to be sure all was going well. Thank you and I appreciate the assistance from a fellow combat veteran.
Operation Vet Fit has helped my in my reintegration back into the civilian society by providing different activities and support services, be it helping in getting paperwork that I needed together, or just taking me on outing to recoup and recharge. The organization has helped me find my way in society and teach me that I am able to still give back to my community.
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Operation Vet Fit is one of the best charities serving our nations hero's. The members are all very supportive of each other and will go above and beyond for their members and just the members of the veteran community. Since being discharged from the military have have found that many organizations that claim to help veterans are very lacking. Operation Vet Fit is a breath of fresh air. There are no paid board members so every dollars goes directly to helping veterans.
What we do goes beyond our mission and impacts the lives of our combat veterans and their families in ways we can not measure. We are in this together and I can not thank you enough for your trust, brotherhood, camaraderie and support. Per Aspera As Astra!
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Our 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 geared toward fostering a healthy transition following combat service. Additionally we 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.
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
Operation Vet Fit has been a key role in my transition back into the civilian sector. By providing me with affordable access to an amazing facility, I was able to maintain physical fitness which in turn provides mental fitness during the beginning of my transition. OVF also assisted my enrollment into college so I could continue my education. There is so much that my family and I have been able to achieve with the guidance that was provided to us. Thank you OVF, I don't think I would have been able to get this far without your help.
Dan is a great person and I am honored to know him. As a veteran I feel more comfortable at his gym than at any other. There is always something to look forward to on the bulliten board and Dan keeps in touch with members on upcoming events. I sometimes stop by the gym just to see what's new and take a break from long walks from my house. I have found lots of useful veteran information and the place is exceptionally clean and organized. Best of all, the gym is open 24 hours day or night.
A great facility with 24 hours access which is crucial as a combat veteran with PTSD. Sleep isn't always guaranteed, but having the ability to get a workout in whenever we want is great and has a direct positive impact on combat veterans. Dan is great and truly cares about the veterans, including trips arranged from funding the gym brings in. This is so great for a local level to have. Thanks Dan!
Operation Vet Fit and Dan Gaita have given me the help and support when I needed it the most.
Thank you for your dedication to such a great organization .
Operation Vet Fit is an amazing organization. Since joining in 2013 Daniel Gaita had taken a personal interest in helping me with the VA, encouraging me to seek treatment for PTSD and gave me someone to talk to. I would like to thank Dan and everyone involved with the organization.
By being a part of Operation Vet-Fit I was able to get back onto shape and change my life with the help of Dan Gaita. Without Dan's knowledge, help, and motivation I would not be where I am today. Dan helps veterans like myself connect and encourages socialization to aid in our transition into the civilian world. By using exercise and group activities he helps veterans stay motivated, which I feel is important as many veterans including myself return home and develop PTSD. Operation Vet-Fit was a crucial part of my transition to civilian life and I am forever grateful.
Comments ( 1 )
yotwdy 09/06/2017 This is what we do. This is who we are.