Veteran's Initiative A couple of years ago, Laura Terpsma and her husband were mountain biking, discussing the troubling rise in depression and suicide among military members and veterans. Laura, who ran a yoga studio, and her husband, then nearing retirement from the military, noticed that many veteran-focused programs revolved around alcohol and sedentary activities.
At the time, her husband was stationed at Fort Custer. Upon his retirement, they relocated first to Grand Rapids and then to Holland, Michigan—where they discovered that Ottawa County ranks ninth in Michigan for veteran population. This insight led them to a powerful conclusion: veterans benefit from continuing the physical activity and camaraderie they experienced during their service. In 2023, Laura established a physical location for her yoga studio and began offering classes specifically designed for veterans and active-duty military personnel. These sessions foster both physical wellness and community connection. In addition, they host veteran dinners that regularly attract more than 40 attendees. Their program is called “The 90”, and on September 27, they’ll host a unique event at Beechwood Church titled “30 x 30 x 30”—featuring 30 veterans walking for 30 hours while carrying a 30-pound weight. The community is warmly invited to watch or join the walk. The event kicks off at 8 AM on Saturday, the 27th. The Terpsmas also launched “Start Strong, Serve Strong”, a program for high school students planning to enlist in the military. It helps future recruits prepare for the physical and mental challenges of military training. |
