College of Health Solutions program doing its part during Salute to Service
Rachel Larson — Military and Veteran Resilience and Health Collaborative director and a clinical associate professor in the College of Health Solutions — talks to the first graduating cohort for the Home Base Warrior Health and Fitness Program. Photo by the College of Health Solutions
It wasn’t always easy for Marine veteran Chuck Hale when he first returned to civilian life. But he’ll never forget the help he received from a fellow former service member.
“The first vet that helped me, I thanked a lot,” Hale said. “He drove me to the VA and got me set up. He did all these little things, nothing dramatic. But I said, ‘Man, how can I repay you?’ He said, ‘Just help another vet.’”
It’s one of the reasons Hale is so passionate about the work he now does at the Military and Veteran Resilience and Health Collaborative (MVRHC).
Salute to Service MVRHC event
MVP (Merging Vets and Players) Community Workout
Saturday, Nov. 16
9 a.m. to noon
Mountain America Stadium, Tempe campus
Launched in January by Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions, the MVRHC’s mission is to support the health of veterans, active-duty service members and first responders, as well as the caregivers and supporters of those communities.
This fall, the College of Health Solutions has already hosted two events for ASU’s annual Salute to Service celebration, including the Wellness Warrior Health Expo. Up next is the MVP (Merging Vets and Players) Community Workout on Saturday, Nov. 16.
It’s all part of the collaborative’s effort to ensure that the communities they serve are connected.
“Being around a group of individuals that have similar stories is important. Being able to talk through things is important,” Hale said.
To that end, the MVRHC is working to increase its partnerships and introducing new programs. One of those programs, in collaboration with Home Base Arizona, is the Warrior Health and Fitness program. It is a free, 90-day program that helps veterans and their families by improving health and well-being through exercise, healthy eating and stress-management skills.
“It's been really exciting because it's a free service for the veteran community,” said Director of MVRHC and College of Health Solutions Clinical Associate Professor Rachel Larson.
Those interested in getting involved with the program can email Marcus Denetdale of Home Base Arizona at mdenetdale@mgb.org.
Larson, who is herself part of the military-connected community, said that Salute to Service is the perfect time to reflect on how immensely grateful and thankful she is for those who have and are currently serving, and the sacrifices those individuals have made.
“With my dad and husband having served and my niece and nephew currently serving, I am immersed in military culture from all aspects and see firsthand the challenges they face in addition to the benefits gained from military service,” Larson said.
Larson is excited about a new class the MVRHC will be offering during the spring 2025 semester, called Fit to Serve: Physical Fitness (CHS 194). The class aims to give students the resources and knowledge they need to pass the Air Force physical fitness test. Registration for this class is open.
“It'll be teaching the fundamentals of physical fitness and nutrition,” Larson said. “It'll guide a student through their own personal health journey across the semester.”
Larson was also recently awarded a $2.39 million grant from the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium. The grant is a renewal of one received back in 2021 to continue studying behavioral determinants of health at sites in Arizona, Ohio and Georgia. Larson's team is in charge of compiling and interpreting this data.
Whether you are a veteran, active military, family member seeking assistance or an organization looking to partner with MVRHC, email chs@asu.edu to connect.
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