- The Strength Veterans Bring To The Ymca — Through The Lens Of Pamela Cosby And Chris Fedor
- Leadership, Planning And Calm Under Pressure
- Community Connection And Relationship Building
- Supporting And Empowering Veteran Employees
- A Legacy Of Service That Strengthens Community
- Upcoming Community Veterans Events
- Thank You To Those Who Served Then And Who Serve Now
Our mission is to create a healthier, more equitable and more connected community. That mission is deeply enriched when veterans join our team. Their leadership, integrity and heart for service reflect the very best of what the Y stands for.
As we honor those who have served our country, we also celebrate how their spirit of service continues to shine in our branches, programs and communities every day. Across the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, we are proud to have between 50 and 60 veteran employees who bring their dedication, discipline and compassion to the work of strengthening community.
The Strength Veterans Bring to the YMCA — Through the Lens of Pamela Cosby and Chris Fedor
Veterans bring invaluable strengths that align beautifully with the Y’s mission to serve all. Their experiences in the military, marked by teamwork, resilience and purpose, translate directly into the Y’s work of nurturing youth, strengthening families and connecting communities.
To bring that to life, we look at reflections from Chris Fedor, Maintenance Director of Building and Grounds at OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, who also served in the U.S. Navy. His story reminds us that the skills, habits and relationships veterans carry into their civilian roles are shaped by years of service and a deep sense of purpose.
“There was a Veteran’s Day that I was asked to read Proclamation 3071, Veteran’s Day, 1954 from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. While doing so, I was reminded of my U.S. Navy service time and brought back great memories.” — Chris Fedor, U.S. Navy Veteran and YMCA Maintenance Director
Pamela Cosby, Program Instructor at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, adds, "When people find out that I am a veteran, or when I’m wearing one of my military hats, they frequently thank me for my service. Those moments happen regularly, and they make me feel recognized, appreciated and connected to others here."
These moments of reflection connect past and present. The Y becomes a place where the threads of service, memory and community continue to weave together.
Leadership, Planning and Calm Under Pressure
Chris speaks not just of physical effort but of how he brings habits forged by military service into his work every day:
“Mentally, I do a lot more pre-thinking about the outcome of any task that I am faced with. Emotionally, I have learned, for the most part, to keep my calm in stressful task situations.”
Those qualities, foresight, composure and thoughtfulness are priceless in a community-centered organization. The kinds of challenges that emerge in a busy YMCA benefit from leaders like Chris, who are steady, focused and guided by a sense of mission.
Community Connection and Relationship Building
Chris also shares how his work at the Y extends beyond physical spaces to human connections:
“Since I have lived in Pike Township for 20+ years, being employed at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, I run into many people that I know through the Schools, Cub Scouts and the neighborhood that I lived in. Being able to see how people interact with each other here makes all the difference in the world.”
Pamela shares, "Physically, I stay active by instructing classes, which keeps me moving and strong. Emotionally and socially, the YMCA offers so many programs that support well-being—like youth programs, Active Older Adults and SilverSneakers. I also teach Les Mills classes, where older adults participate using lighter weights. Everyone can be included and supported, no matter their fitness level."
This paints a vivid picture of how veterans like Chris and Pamela become true connectors within their communities. The YMCA is not just a workplace, it is an extension of their life of service and a bridge that brings neighbors together.
Supporting and Empowering Veteran Employees
Honoring our veteran employees means more than simply hiring them. It means creating an environment where they can thrive. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is proud to cultivate a culture that values veterans’ perspectives and supports their transition into meaningful civilian roles.
- Mentorship and Connection: Pairing new veteran employees with YMCA mentors helps them integrate into the Y family while drawing on their leadership strengths.
- Professional Growth: Clear pathways for development and leadership training allow veterans to continue building their skills and serving in new ways.
- Emotional and Social Support: Resources for well-being and peer connection ensure that veterans feel supported, understood and celebrated in their work.
With the veterans currently serving in roles across our association, we are reminded daily that their collective experience continues to shape our culture of service, care and excellence.
A Legacy of Service that Strengthens Community
When veterans work at the YMCA, their impact ripples outward. They serve as role models for youth, embodying values of courage, integrity and service. Their leadership enhances safety, teamwork and preparedness across our organization. Their presence helps build bridges of trust within our communities.
"The YMCA is more than a gym because of the camaraderie and relationships that develop here. We get to know each other on a personal level—not just quick greetings in passing. We support each other through life’s ups and downs, whether someone is sick, grieving a loss, or celebrating something meaningful. The community cares about one another, and that is what makes the YMCA truly special," says Pamela.
Chris and Pamela's stories show how those connections flourish every day, from maintaining our facilities to greeting members and helping neighbors feel welcome. Their leadership reminds us that service never truly ends; it simply evolves into new ways of giving back.
Upcoming Community Veterans Events
Thank You to Those Who Served Then and Who Serve Now
To our veteran colleagues and all those who have served, we thank you. Your legacy of service lives on in the way you lead, care and build community. The YMCA is stronger because of you, and together we continue the mission to be a healthier, more equitable and more connected community.
