Vietnam Veterans Howie Slater, Jim Wyatt, Antone Sousa and Louis Workman get together to workout at the Presidio YMCA in San Francisco. They are enrolled in the Presidio Fitness Program for Veterans, a form of recreation therapy provided by the San Francisco VA Medical Center in partnership with the Presidio YMCA.

Chris Geronimo, Recreation Therapist in the PTSD Outpatient Clinic at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and Director of the Presidio Fitness Program states, "In a nutshell, recreation therapy is a gateway toward better health and wellness. It uses a holistic approach to augment a Veteran's existing treatment plan and allows the Veteran to practice the coping and interpersonal skills they've learned. Veterans can reclaim their life through leisure and recreation."

The goal of recreation therapy is to help Veterans who have illnesses, disabilities and other conditions use activities in ways that improve or maintain physical, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning for a better quality of life and increased independence. Recreation therapy also enhances morale, self esteem and life satisfaction. United Voluntary Services is proud to support this Fitness Program.