When Rachel and her husband are both away on active duty, they feel good knowing that Grandma is taking their son, Rain, to the Armed Services YMCA, where they get the friendship and support they need until mom and dad come back home. This is their Y. Their camera. Their story. 

“It’s important to have an organization that understands what it’s like for the dependents of military members.”  When Chris Klassen is home from active duty, he is thankful for time spent with his daughter, from a father-daughter dance at the Armed Services YMCA to afternoons on the beach.  This is his Y. His camera. His story. 

As a single parent and a soldier, Lt. Brian Martin is thankful for Operation Hero at Armed Services YMCA of Fort Leonard Wood. His son Andrew’s teacher recommended him to Operation Hero, an after-school program for military children that focuses on character development, skill-building, and helping children navigate the challenges of military life, because Andrew was shy in school. Since Andrew’s participation in the program, Lt. Martin and his teachers have seen Andrew open up and grow. This is their Y. Their Camera. Their Story.