“The Freedom Fund” is proud to announce FlyDog Yoga as the September 2019, “Friend of Freedom” award winner.
“The military and law enforcement communities are very special to us because our family knows first-hand the sacrifices that are necessary in the service of our country,” said Brad Whiteman co-owner and operator of FlyDog Yoga, The Freedom Fund’s “Friend of Freedom” winner for September. “One of the reasons I am so passionate about spreading the practice of yoga to those that are serving and have served is because I have experienced first-hand both the physical and the mental benefits of a regular yoga practice. Furthermore, it was not just me who benefitted, but my whole family and those around me. After beginning the practice of yoga, I was not as quick to become agitated, frustrated, or angry; my general demeanor was much more positive; and I was better positioned to deal with the physical damage my life choices had caused to my body.”
At FlyDog Yoga they have a standing discount for military service members, veterans, and first responders. But their main focus for these communities is our Honor Our Heroes Program. Through this program they offer free weekly classes to those who have served. “Through the Honor our Heroes program, we also offer full scholarships to our 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training so that we continue to build a cadre of teachers from within the communities that we are trying to impact. To date, we have given out $10,000 in scholarships to military and first responders participating in yoga teacher training. “
Brad served 10 years on active duty in the army, and was deployed on several tours to Iraq. “I was fortunate to receive some of the very best training that the US military has to offer and I was also witness to the toll that the last 18 years of combat have taken on our service members and their families.” Afterwards he joined the Army National Guard and served another 10 years in the reserves. “FlyDog Yoga has been a family affair. Eliza and I have been full-time owner operators of the studio and our children have grown up in and around the studio. We really do see the community at Flydog Yoga as our family and we are blessed to work with and serve such an amazing group of people here. “ They have four children, ages 12, 10, 8 and 6.
Flydog not only supports heroes with time and talent, if there is a fundraiser in town for first responders or military causes, there is good chance you will see a Flydog logo in the sponsor material. “We are committed to improving the quality of life for members of the military and first responder communities,” said Brad.
Each month, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will chose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. Winners will get a trophy and sometimes a monetary award. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at gratitudecville@gmail.c
