David Shlavin

My name is David Shlavin; I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I served in the Navy from 2003 – 2007 as an Operations Specialist. I was stationed aboard three aircraft carriers during my time. I deployed with the USS Nimitz CVN 68 for WestPac to support Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76 for a South American tour in 2004, and finally with the USS George Washington CVN 73 in 2006 for a Caribbean tour.

In the present day, I am a Junior at Saint Mary’s College of California majoring in Biochemistry, work at Apple as a technician, and volunteer with several other veteran organizations in Los Angeles.

The MVP sessions inspired me to workout outside of the program and get healthy. I purchased a gym membership at an indoor rock climbing where I could also partake in other activities such as Yoga, weightlifting, and sparring/training in MMA. Being an active member in the program made me aware that I’m not the only one with anxiety and stress. MVP has given me a support team helping me navigate through the transition process and life in general.

I look forward to our in-person sessions at the gym and events that provide another way of fitness while seeing my veteran and athlete family. This team has much impacted my connection with the veteran and athlete community. It has allowed me to connect with others and be proud of my military service. Every Saturday, a few other members and I get together and take our dogs on hikes in the area and always look forward to having others join us. MVP also gave me another perspective I didn’t have prior, seeing that the athletes and veterans have a commonality in their transitions.

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!