Washington, D.C. — April 7, 2026, Veterans Yoga Project announced that it has formally affiliated with the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation through its Johnny Micheal Spann Ally Program. Johnny Micheal “Mike” Spann was a CIA officer and former Marine who became the first American casualty in the Global War on Terrorism on November 25, 2001. On his application to join the CIA, Mike stated his commitment to action, responsibility, and leadership and personified these principles in his sacrificial devotion to the country. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) ally program named in honor of Spann ensures all its allies are similarly exemplifying these traits in their collaboration with the Foundation.

“We are deeply humbled and honored to have Veterans Yoga Project standing tall beside us as our ally program enters a new era,” said Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation President and CEO, Michael “Rod” Rodríguez. “The Foundation will continue to look to Veterans Yoga Project as a force multiplier for building a sacred Memorial where all who served and sacrificed in this conflict, and those impacted by it, can honor, heal, be empowered, and unite. At the same time, our Foundation knows that respect and reciprocity are the foundations of every strong alliance, and we are proud to commit to help Veterans Yoga Project in their mission to serve Veterans and the military community through the practices of mindful resiliency.”

As an ally, the organization’s participation in GWOTMF work might look different. But a commitment to action must undergird the relationship. Allies understand the importance of the Foundation’s work of honoring all who have served and sacrificed in the Global War on Terrorism, and they recognize their role in achieving this mission.

Each ally takes their own initiative to use their networks and platforms to help educate our Nation on the legacy and impact of the Global War on Terrorism, as well as the Foundation’s mission and work. Veterans Yoga Project will be hosting a Community Yoga session on June 27, 2026, on the site where the GWOT Memorial is to be built.

For more information on the Johnny Micheal Spann Ally Program, and specific things the Foundation expects of its allies, click here. For more information on Veterans Yoga Project and the Community Yoga session at the GWOT Memorial site, click here.

About the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

Formed in 2015 by veterans, military spouses, and supportive Americans, the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated by Congress to lead the effort to plan, fund, and build the GWOT Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Our sole mission is to construct an inclusive place of honor for both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel who served and sacrificed as part of global counterterrorism operations since September 11th, 2001. The Memorial will be a place for Americans to honor, heal, be empowered, and unite. The Memorial is being funded entirely by donations; by law no federal government funding will be used. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Learn more by visiting our website. And be sure to follow our progress on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Veterans Yoga Project

For 15 years, Veterans Yoga Project has worked side by side, every day, with Veterans to help them live, thrive, and belong. Our network of yoga teachers, therapists, clinicians, and community members practice Mindful Resilience techniques to support those recovering from stress-related mental health challenges, physical limitations, and everyday obstacles. We effectively address Veterans, their family members, and the military community by empowering their journey to enhanced health, well-being, and self-discovery.

We make a tangible and measurable difference in Veterans’ lives every day. From 160 free online yoga classes per month, via our Rick Rowan Online Studio, in-person classes, and recorded material, we generated over 42,000 encounters in 2025. Attendees to our sessions reported over 30% reduction in pain and stress last year. Tax free donations support our teaching staff, training programs, online studio, and VYP infrastructure.