Los Angeles — The MVP Experience — MVP

Greg Gregorian

I look forward to it every week, and no matter how bad of a day or week I had, the MVP session energizes me in such a positive way to be surrounded by such incredible people.

Veteran, Los AngelesMVP AdminOctober 14, 2021Los Angeles, Army

Luis Escamilla

I feel very comfortable sharing my ups and downs each session because we all have gone through some similar situations. What I also love about MVP is that we all have each other's back, not just only on Wednesday evenings but on a 24/7 basis."

Veteran, Los AngelesMVP AdminSeptember 8, 2021Los Angeles, Marine

Thomas Harris

I have definitely grown in confidence and have progressed in a positive way since becoming a member. Our trainers are excellent, and working out in groups motivates me to work out more. Weekly, I am inspired by the openness/transparency of our members.

Veteran, Los AngelesMVP AdminSeptember 8, 2021Navy, Los Angeles

David Shlavin

“I definitely would recommend MVP to all other combat veterans and former professional athletes! I love breaking a sweat and breaking down those mental barriers with my MVP fam!”

Los Angeles, Navy, VeteranMVP AdminFebruary 18, 2021Los Angeles

Jamal Ali

It has also increased my energy levels to perform more physical activities outside of the program. My anxieties have become manageable as I interact with more relatable veterans and players.

Los Angeles, Army, VeteranAlexandria BondyOctober 27, 2020Los Angeles

DiCarie Williamson

“I’m allowing myself to find and experience the joy that came in the form of faith, reading, and connecting with others. I worked myself to death and didn’t allow myself to feel. I can see that I have come a long way, and I’m now finding pieces of myself that I didn’t know were misplaced. Love and understanding are the main ingredients to a healthy recovery or transition—this is what we have in MVP.”

Los Angeles, Veteran, Air ForceMVP AdminMarch 16, 2020Army, Los Angeles, Air Force

John Follmer

“With the help of MVP my marriage has grown stronger.”

Los Angeles, Army, VeteranAlexandria BondyNovember 15, 2019Army, Los Angeles

AJ Perez

“We were a group of misfits who had been searching for a way to self-healing and self-recognition.”

Veteran, Los Angeles, NavyAlexandria BondyAugust 13, 2019Navy, Los Angeles

Tayyiba Haneef-Park

“The chats afterward help you to know that you are not alone as you navigate through the transitions in your life. I’ve met people who are going through the same experiences.”

Los Angeles, Retired AthleteAlexandria BondyApril 17, 2019Olympian, Athlete, Los Angeles

Andi Ward

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and groups like MVP. “

Los Angeles, Veteran, NavyAlexandria BondyFebruary 12, 2019Los Angeles, Navy

Denver Morris

“I now know that transitioning vets and former professional athletes have lost their identity and sense of family. Now my confidence is much stronger, and if I’m having an emotional moment, there’s someone at MVP to help me get back on track.”

Veteran, Los Angeles, Marine CorpsAlexandria BondyJanuary 8, 2019Marine, Los Angeles

Elliot Ruiz

“By 2015 the VA had done everything possible for me. I needed more help than physical—I missed the camaraderie I had in the Marines. I asked myself: ‘What’s the next thing or goal to drive me?’”

Veteran, Los Angeles, Marine CorpsAlexandria BondyDecember 17, 2018Marine, Los Angeles

Oren O'Neal

“As a former professional athlete, people tend to see you in a certain way and don’t really respect your daily struggles, but MVP is different.”

Retired Athlete, NFL, Los AngelesJosh GoldbergNovember 15, 2018Los Angeles, NFL

Dustin Beluscak

“Because of everything I've been doing, I was able to get off all the medications and for the first time in years, I feel like myself. MVP gave me a family and I’m smiling again.”

Veteran, National Guard, Los AngelesJosh GoldbergNovember 14, 2018veterans, military, Los Angeles

Jonathan Neves

“With the MVP peer support he has already received, I want to help any new members seeking additional advice and guidance at MVP.”

Veteran, Army, Los AngelesJosh GoldbergAugust 9, 2018veterans, military, Los Angeles

Heather Clark

“Sitting in on the group talks after the workout really helped me put a lot of things of my own life into perspective.”

UFC Fighter, Los AngelesAlexandria BondyMay 1, 2018trainer, Los Angeles

Matthew Shepherd

“We all go through situations in life that are physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging when we find ourselves overwhelmed and drained. MVP is about embracing the obstacles, finding the confidence, coming together, and sharing experiences with fellow veterans; knowing that we’re not alone and having a safe place to find courage and bond amidst the chaos and uncertainty.”

Veteran, Navy, Los AngelesAlexandria BondyMarch 22, 2018

Dustin Holcomb

“I've now found the family and camaraderie that I've needed since leaving the military.”

Veteran, Army, Los AngelesAlexandria BondyMarch 19, 2018

Jarrod Bunch

Being a part of "MVP" gives retired athletes and retired veterans the ability to interact and share experiences and stories of what it's like to be removed from such an influential part of  his or her life, and be expected to live like any other, "normal" person. Whatever "normal" is for us, we figure it out together.

Retired Athlete, Los AngelesAlexandria BondyMarch 8, 2018NFL, New York Giants