No matter what branch of the military one chooses, the primary mission is to defend the U.S. and its interests. While the military is defined as the armed forces, many Veterans have continued to provide public services after safeguarding our country. This article highlights one group of Veterans who still live out their mission by giving their time to the local community, right here in Natchitoches.
Veterans from the VA Natchitoches Community Based Outpatient Clinic (NCBOC) YOGA Group, along with their certified YOGA Instructor, Richard Rodgers participated in a rescue project that started in August 2022. This recent mission was to give back to Pierson & Mallett Park, located at 701 E 5th Street in Natchitoches. The group of Veterans met there every Tuesday morning to participate in chair YOGA, under the pavilion.
They mopped the cement floor, repaired the picnic tables, and cleaned the area of refuse. Then they brought their power tools and sanded the picnic tables, restoring them to some of their natural beauty.
Volunteering for the park showed their appreciation for the use of this beautiful space to practice YOGA. Veterans are service-centric and willing to give their talents to benefit fellow citizens. Yogi Richard Rodgers also volunteers his time every week to lead the Veterans in chair YOGA. This invaluable practice is available free to our local Veterans. Participants remark on how the practice helps relax and restore their serenity.
If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran who might be interested in attending Chair YOGA with the NCBOC, please call Kathleen Perritt, LCSW at (318) 357-3312 or Stephanie Johnson, LCSW-BACS at (318) 357-3331.
