Lee Tucker shares her experience with the Y's Veterans Wellness Program

Meet Lee Tucker, graduate of the River Crossing YMCA’s donor-supported Veterans Wellness Pathway program. Lee participated in the free 12-week program at the Y’s Deer Path branch in Flemington, NJ during the summer of 2024.

“I learned about the Veterans Pathway program at a very low point in my life,” explained Lee, whose husband John passed away in March of this year. “It was a really big change in my life when John passed away. I had to learn a new way of living.

“We met in the Air Force, where I served for two years in the Nursing Corps. John was in munitions.” John Tucker served in the USAF from 1964-1971, and Lee from 1966-1968. One of their earliest homes together was on the Cigli US Air Force Base in Izmir, Turkey, where their son was born. “We loved the Air Force.”

“The Y Veterans Pathway program could not have come along at a better time for me,” Tucker continued. “It was an enormous blessing. I am not a gym person, but I needed structure and a regimen, which the program provided, along with people being together, helping each other focus on exercise and wellness.”

“The instructors were so kind and patient with the class. They explained how all the exercises work, the muscles impacted, and how to avoid future injuries. Because it was summer, the campers were coming to the branch every day. Having the kids around made it even more enjoyable. It was just what I needed.

“In the class, in order to do the exercises and accomplish the goals, you have to focus. Concentrating on the weights and movements, you push out distractions and negative thoughts. That was so important for me. We learned about nutrition, balance, agility and the connection between mind and body. Instructors Jill and Megan were very encouraging, and non-judgmental. I can feel the strength that I’ve built, and I continue my routine and exercises that I learned in the program. Since graduating, I’ve been able to rebuild and restructure my life since John’s passing. I believe God led me to the Y’s Veterans Wellness Pathway program, and I am very grateful for the impact it has had on my life.”

River Crossing YMCA’s Veterans Wellness Pathway program is one among a number of free, donor supported community impact programs offered throughout Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton and Hunterdon (NJ) Counties. River Crossing YMCA is the nonprofit charity transforming millions of dollars into moments of impact, right in your community.