Published: May 14, 2008 10:40 am         

Kosciusko County YMCA honored for supporting military families

The Armed Services YMCA, a nonprofit organization supporting the families of junior enlisted military personnel, has recognized the Kosciusko Community YMCA in Warsaw for its exceptional work to support military families. The Kosciusko Community YMCA was awarded a Community YMCA Award, a part of the Raytheon Program Achievement Awards, at a luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

“The Armed Services YMCA has served our junior enlisted military members and their families for 145 years,” said ASYMCA Executive Director Frank Gallo, retired Navy rear admiral. “While the ASYMCA is focused on supporting those who serve America, YMCAs across the country also do their part to thank our service members and their families by providing a number of services. The ASYMCA honors these community YMCA’s for their work in showing support to our military personnel and encourage other YMCA branches to follow suit.”

In January 2008, the Warsaw community witnessed the largest mobilization of troops since World War II, according to the ASYMCA. The Kosciusko Community YMCA rallied to show support for troops by offering immediate family members of deployed soldiers complimentary memberships and programs during deployment, which include before- and after-school child care, drop-off baby-sitting and sports programs.

The YMCA also provided enlisted individuals awaiting entry into basic training 90-day complimentary memberships; complimentary memberships for members awaiting deployment; complimentary memberships for military members on military leave; and complimentary memberships for members serving in the National Guard or stationed in the community and considered employed community members. The Kosciusko Community YMCA currently assists 20 military families.