More Than A Community

The mission of Countryside YMCA is to uncover needs in our community and, when appropriate, do all that we can to meet those needs. When we realized that there was no local program for veterans that included fitness opportunities, nutrition information, mental health support, and camaraderie with other veterans, we decided to create this free, comprehensive program designed specifically to meet the needs of local veterans. Any veteran over the age of 18 is welcome. You do not have to be a member of the Y to participate.

  • age-appropriate fitness programs
  • nutrition and mental health
  • community involvement and team building
A Veteran with a shirt that says "Hanging with my peeps" and has several U.S. military logos on it lifts two dumbbells above his shoulders during a workout.
Mike Morang, who started and leads Countryside YMCA's Veterans Connect outreach program, holds his hand up to direct his participants to switch to the next workout.
Several Veterans Connect participants doing a circuit training workout in the Countryside YMCA Lower Level Mini Turf Gym.
A veteran participating in a Veterans Connect workout in the Countryside YMCA Lower Level Mini Gym lifts a dumbbell above his head with both of his arms.
A veteran participating in Veterans Connect at Countryside YMCA does some sit ups in the Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym.
A veteran in Countryside YMCA's Veterans Connect program curls two dumbbells in the Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym.

2026 Veterans Connect Upcoming Class Dates

January 5 – February 28

Lebanon: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Mon, Fri 7:00-8:30pm | Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym

Landen: Mon, Tue, & Wed, Thu, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Tue, Thu 7:00-8:30pm | Sat 10:00-11:00am | Studio D

Landen (All Female Vets Class): Wed 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Studio D

March 16 – May 9

Lebanon: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Mon, Fri 7:00-8:30pm | Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym

Landen: Mon, Tue, & Wed, Thu, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Tue, Thu 7:00-8:30pm | Sat 10:00-11:00am | Studio D

Landen (All Female Vets Class): Wed 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Studio D

May 25 – July 18

Lebanon: Mon & Fri 7:00-8:30pm | Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym

Landen: Mon, Tue, & Wed, Thu, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Tue, Thu 7:00-8:30pm | Sat 10:00-11:00am | Studio D

Landen (All Female Vets Class): Wed 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Studio D

August 3 – September 26

Lebanon: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Mon, Fri 7:00-8:30pm | Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym

Landen: Tue, Thu 10:30am-Noon | Tue, Thu 7:00-8:30pm | Saturday 10:00-11:00am | Studio D

Landen (All Female Vets Class): Wed 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Studio D

October 12 – December 5

Lebanon: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30am-Noon | Mon, Fri 7:00-8:30pm | Lower Level Mini (Turf) Gym

Landen: Tue, Thu 10:30am-Noon | Tue, Thu 7:00-8:30pm | Saturday 10:00-11:00am | Studio D

Landen (All Female Vets Class): Wed 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Studio D

Veterans Connect Hanging With My Peeps (Landen)

All military veterans in the community are invited to Countryside YMCA | Landen for Veterans Connect Hanging With My Peeps! Come hang out with other vets on the fourth Saturday of every other month and enjoy great food and camaraderie at Countryside YMCA Landen inside Studio D.

February 28th, 2026 10am-12pm | Breakfast

April 25, 2026 12pm-2pm | Lunch/BBQ

June 27, 2026 10am-12pm | Breakfast

August 22, 2026 12pm-2pm | Lunch/BBQ

October 24, 2026 TBD | End of Year Potluck

Upcoming Event: Patriot 5K & Trail Run Saturday, November 7th, 2026

Choose just one or do them both! 5K Road Race & 5K Trail Run. The Trail run takes place on our Hewett P. Mulford Nature Trail. Participants can expect a mix of flat ground, small hills, uneven terrain, creeks, and optional obstacle courses. Your participation in the Patriot Run helps fund Veterans Connect at the YMCA, which is a free program for veterans in Warren County.

Use code “YMCAVETCONNECT” to save 10% at operatorcoffee.com

$2 of each sale goes to the Countryside YMCA Veterans Connect program. Free shipping on orders over $60.

Frequently Asked Questions about Veterans Connect

Veterans Connect is a FREE program designed specifically to meet the needs of local Veterans. You’ll meet at the Y and focus on:

  • age appropriate fitness programs
  • nutrition and mental health
  • community involvement
  • team building

Just as important, Veterans Connect provides consistent opportunities to bond with other Veterans.

No. We recognize that not everyone can perform at the same fitness level, and the fitness portion of Veterans Connect can be tailored for each participant.

All staff working with the Veterans Connect program are also Veterans themselves or they are staff with one of our collaborating partners.

The Veterans Connect program is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of Veterans. The class offers comradery, workouts, mental health support, and opportunities to connect with other Veterans.

No, Veterans Connect is free for all military Veterans over the age of 18. You do not have to be a member of the Y to participate.

No. Veterans Connect is open to all Veterans over the age of 18. You do not have to be a member of the Y to participate.

The Young Men's Christian Association

When you join the Y, you’re not only joining an amazing organization that strengthens our community, but you’re also becoming part of a community of people dedicated to improving their health and well-being.

Contact us

Still have questions

1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon, OH 45036
Email: mike.morang@ymcastaff.org
Phone: 513-932-1424