Pocono News Section

YMCA, Military Helping Soldiers' Families

YMCA, Military Helping Soldiers' Families - Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 5:22PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Oct 9, 2008 @ 05:22pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

The Department of Defense is teaming up with YMCA's nationwide to support military families. A new initiative even offers free memberships and other programs to the spouses and children of active duty soldiers.

Amy Motter's husband, Luke, is a search and rescue swimmer with the U. S. Navy. He's currently on a tour of duty in Africa.

So she was thrilled when YMCA officials told her about a new military program offering her a free 6 month membership to the River Valley Regional Y.

Motter said, "I'm always happy when the government does things for our armed forces. I know my husband was thrilled to hear about it."

It's all part of a $31 million initiative to provide health, development, and family strengthening programs to the spouses and children of active duty soldiers.

Motter appreciates the help. She noted, "Anything to keep us happy while he's gone and anything to encourage us to stay fit as a family."

The program is designed to provide a little extra peace of mind to active duty soldiers deployed all over the world. It's expected to benefit over 300 hundred families in this region alone.

River Valley Regional YMCA President and CEO Dave Fagerstrom explained, "The Y's been working with the feds for awhile to establish a program that would help families of deployed military personnel stay healthy and stay active."

Military officials say soldiers are better equipped to deal with the pressures of deployment knowing their families are well taken care of.

Fagerstrom added, "We're excited. It's a three year deal with the federal government that could go as much as six years, and we're really pleased to be a part of it."

Officials tell us family members need only bring a copy of the soldier's military I. D. and deployment orders when applying at their local YMCA.