Yoga Calms and Bonds Florida Veterans

Yoga helps Manatee vets copes with mental, physical pains 
Bradenton Herald
BY JAMES A. JONES JR.
May 14, 2015

"Yoga has become much more acceptable to the veteran community," Roberts said.

U.S. Army vets visit before the start of Connected Warrior yoga.JAMES A. JONES JR./Bradenton Herald

MANATEE -- For a few moments each week, the Connected Warrior yoga class pushes back on aches and pains, and memories bringing nothing but anguish.

Some come with post-traumatic stress disorder, diabetic neuropathy, lower back problems, bad knees and more.

Heyward Hawkins, 77, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960 during peacetime. 

"I look forward to coming here for what it does for me mentally and physically," Hawkins said.


"When I am in yoga class, I am reminded that someone cares about me."

Goodwill Manasota began offering free yoga classes for veterans and their families at 8490 Lockwood Ridge Road in 2014.

Harriet Roberts and Linda Lee of Garden of the Heart Yoga, who present the Connected Warrior class, said they feel honored to lead the local veterans.

They know some veteran problems will be with them all of their days. read more here