I drove into the Warrior fitness center on non-opioid pain relievers and a full bag of ice on my new knee that was replaced several weeks ago. Part of my personal physical therapy in addition to professional physical therapy. I made my way into the gym both looking forward to and hesitant of working two pieces of titanium between two pieces of bone. But it takes courage. However, for the first time in my life I was turned away because I’m in a group of people not allowed in the warrior fitness center because of the virus “retired active duty”. I’m vaccinated and have my booster. I worked my entire life for the Air Force, active duty retired, and civil servant retired for a total of 42 years. If I were a DoD civilian who started working for the government in 2021 or in 2022, I could get in. Why exclude such a small group of people who have earned the right to use the facilities? It is an excellent facility and I’ve always been proud of it.

Judy Ricks

West Haven

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