This Korean War Veteran won’t slow down

Guy could stay at home and participate in physical therapy routines provided online, but he would rather his son William drive him to Robley Rex VA to join other Veterans who also feel that age is just a number.

“Staying active is very important for me,” said Guy. “It helps me with my mental health and not being bored all the time. It helps me get exercise and get out and meet other people and see other things around other than the house.”

So, Guy and his fellow Veterans come together every Monday to learn Tai Chi from Master Ranèe Lovelace. Master Ranèe whose father was an Army Drill Sergeant and mother was a nurse, grew up having service and sacrifice modelled for her, and she feels it is her privilege to serve Veterans.

“What I find rewarding is when I see improvement in mind and body. When they feel safe in the space we are in,” said Master Ranèe. “Having moments when we have fun and they realize they have learned a movement unknowingly.”

This is what Guy’s son William sees happening for his dad in these classes. He gets to see his father getting outside and active, he gets to be there for him while he is learning Tai Chi, and he gets to see Guy interact with others.

Guy said he prefers the in-person classes because, “I can see and hear the instructor better than online, which helps me complete the exercises better and hopefully learn the procedures quicker.”

“It seems to help my balance,” said Guy, “while also getting to meet other people and make new friends.”

Practicing balance is an important part of the program. Master Ranèe recalls a time when she went to help one of her students that was struggling. She asked him if he could put his foot on a 45-degree angle, and he said, sure, no problem.

“I was ready to modify the placement, but he took his foot off placed it in a 45-degree angle,” said Master Ranèe. “I’m still laughing years later. His balance was amazing!”

Nancy Korfhage, the Robley Rex VA Whole Health Program Coordinator, wholeheartedly agrees. Our Veterans are amazing, and she continues to create opportunities for our Veterans. Below is a listing of some of our Whole Health Programs. If you want to know more about these programs, or to get involved, speak to your primary care provider or email Robley Rex VA Whole Health Program at VHALOUVeteransWholeHealth@va.gov.

Whole Health Weekly Classes

In-person Tai Chi – Mondays, 10- 11 am @ Robley Rex. VAMC, 2nd floor, Cafe', Employee Dining room

In-person Yoga – Mondays, 11:30 am - 1 pm @ Ft. Knox Religious Education Center, Bldg. 4768, 226 South 8th Armored Division Drive

Chair Yoga – Tuesdays, 1 pm - 2 pm @ VA Video Connect (VVC) - email to register at VHALOUVeteransWholeHealth@va.gov

Yoga – Wednesdays, 9 am - 10 am @ VVC, email to register at VHALOUVeteransWholeHealth@va.gov

Well-being class – Wednesdays, 11 am 11:30 am @ VVC, email to register at VHALOUVeteransWholeHealth@va.gov

Tai Chi – Thursdays, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm @ VVC, email to register at VHALOUVeteransWholeHealth@va.gov