Building Veteran Community Through Fitness
Chris Smith didn’t plan to become the program director of a veteran fitness nonprofit. When he left the Army, his only goal was to stay afloat. But after facing down PTSD, relationship struggles, and a stretch of homelessness, he found himself on a new path-one focused on health, consistency, and community.
In this episode, Chris talks about how Warrior Strong helped him rebuild his identity and give back to others dealing with similar struggles. He shares what it was like to go from engineering missions in Iraq to sleeping in his car, and how a single yoga class turned into a whole new way to serve.
Whether you’re a veteran looking for your next step or just trying to feel a little more grounded, this conversation is about what’s possible when you stop waiting and start showing up.
Timestamps
- 00:01:00 – 9/11 hit during basic training
- 00:12:30 – Losing stability after service
- 00:17:00 – How yoga and fitness changed everything
- 00:34:15 – What Warrior Strong offers right now
- 00:44:00 – Advice for veterans stuck in place
Links & Resources
- Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
- Website: https://www.warriorstronginc.org/
- Follow Warrior Strong on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorstronginc
- Follow Warrior Strong on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorstronginc/
- Follow Warrior Strong on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorstronginc.9685
- Follow Warrior Strong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrior-strong