Have a Heart Foundation Supports

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col Reese Turner has worked as a fitness trainer with Proformance Health & Well-Being, CycleBar, and F45. Outside his work in the fitness industry, Col Reese Turner has volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, including the Have A Heart Foundation.

Founded on the principle that high-quality healthcare should not be a luxury, the Have A Heart Foundation funds cardiovascular care for individuals through the Have A Heart Clinic. The clinic receives patients from all over Kentucky and southern Indiana, providing compassionate, affordable care for those with heart disease and other heart conditions.

Because many of the clinic’s patients are uninsured, the clinic utilizes a “pay it forward” method, accepting insurance from the patients who have it and using those funds to treat patients who qualify for free service. With just six full-time members, the clinic relies primarily on the generosity of volunteers to provide preventive services and treatment options for patients. For example, the clinic has performed more than 300 free community cardiovascular screenings since 2018.

US Army Reaches 2020 Recruiting

Col. Reese Turner joined Louisville, Kentucky’s Proformance Health and Well-Being as director of operations in 2018. A member of the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA), retired Col. Reese Turner has closely followed US military recruiting efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In October, the United States Army announced that it had reached recruiting and retention goals for the 2020 fiscal year despite myriad challenges created by the global coronavirus pandemic. A Congress-mandated target of 485,383 active duty soldiers was maintained through the end of September, with eyes already turned toward 2021 goals, which will be between 1,000 and 1,500 soldiers greater than 2020.

Furthermore, the Army will continue to work towards increased diversity among ranks, including a greater presence of female and minority soldiers. For 2020, 53 percent of the 62,150 recruits that entered basic training were white, while 82 percent were male. Army personnel chief Lt. Gen. Gary Brito said these figures represented slight improvements, but that there was still more work to be done. 

Marshawn Lynch Distributes Turkeys for Thanksgiving in Hawaii

The recipient of a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Col. Reese Turner spent more than two decades in various leadership roles with the U.S. Army. He presently serves as a fitness coach at F45 and indoor cycling instructor at CycleBar. An avid football fan, Col. Reese Turner counts Marshawn Lynch as one of his favorite all-time players.

A five-time Pro Bowl running back, Lynch last played for the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. Rather than preparing for a game ahead of Thanksgiving in 2020, the 34-year-old native of Oakland, California, was in Hawaii, where he donated 200 turkeys to individuals in need near Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. Lynch, who now resides in Hawaii, facilitated the donation through partnerships with his Fam 1st Family Foundation between Young's Fish Market, Barefoot League Hawaii, and Tamura Super Market.

This isn't the first time Lynch, affectionately known as “Beast Mode,” has pursued philanthropic ventures. This past April, he drove through a park in Oakland and distributed free face masks. Early in his NFL career, he was recognized in this area as the Oakland Raiders' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Among other activities, he hosts an annual youth football camp and invited youth to watch the Raiders play in London. His Fam 1st Family Foundation also hosts several education-focused programs for youth.

Confederate Generals’ Names on US Army Posts - an Ongoing Controversy

 Retired Army Col. Reese Turner serves as a coach at physical fitness centers in the area of Louisville, Kentucky. A graduate of West Point, he earned masters’ degrees from the University of Phoenix in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In his more than 30 years in the Army, Col. Reese Turner served in numerous posts across the country. 

Of the countless installations operated by the United States military, 10 are named for Confederate generals who led troops against the forces of the United States. In the summer of 2020, calls arose for the nation to rename the bases, pointing out the unseemliness of naming American military installations in honor of generals who fought against the US. These posts, all built in the former states of the Confederacy, where land was cheap and the climate permitted nearly year-round training, were established in the periods before World Wars I and II to train the large numbers of troops the wars would need. In the ongoing efforts of reconciliation with the southern states, the Army consulted with local authorities on naming the new posts after former Confederate generals.

They were presented with names such as Robert E. Lee, A.P. Hill, John Brown Gordon, and Braxton Bragg. Some of these men were noteworthy for their military prowess, many were slaveholders, and some were instrumental in the post-war establishment of the KKK and Jim Crow in the south. The 2020 renewal of calls to rename these bases came during a time of civil unrest marked by the removal or toppling of statues erected of Confederate generals. For several reasons, the focus of protests shifted without a resolution on the renaming of the Army posts, leaving it as an important issue that needs to be decided upon later.

Kentuckians Return to Gyms

Retired Army Col. Reese Turner learned leadership at West Point, the Army War College, and in more than 30 years as a commissioned officer. Since his retirement, Col. Reese Turner has spearheaded an IT training operation for people transitioning out of the military and those with disadvantaged backgrounds. Today, he directs the operations of Proformance Health & Well-Being in Louisville, Kentucky.

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in the United States caused most states to shut down commercial enterprises for as long as possible. When they learned more about the disease and how to limit its spread, states began permitting establishments to reopen cautiously with limitations to minimize the transmission of the virus.

Minimizing the risk of transmission, especially in fitness centers, is a challenge. When fitness centers reopened in Kentucky on June 1, 2020, after more than two months, they could operate at only a third of their normal capacity, and they had a long list of state mandates.

Despite the risk, the restrictions, and the mandates, people returned to fitness centers and gyms. Participants and facility staff members are health-conscious and generally observant of social distancing and personal protective equipment requirements. 

Transitional Living Services with Boys and Girls Haven

A veteran of the United States Army and a fitness enthusiast, Col Reese Turner is the director of operations and a trainer/coach at ProFormance Health and Well-Being, and a spin instructor at CycleBar Middletown Station. Committed to giving back to the community, Col Reese Turner serves on the boards of non-profit organizations such as the Metro United Way, Special Olympics Kentucky and the Boys and Girls Haven of Louisville.

In 1948, Father James Mahoney established the Boys and Girls Haven to care for abandoned and abused children in the Louisville area. Since then, the home has expanded to serve 1,000 individuals each year in five core programs, including in-home foster care, residential foster care, and transitional housing. The organization’s transitional living services support youth aged 18 to 21 who have aged out of the foster care system but lack the resources for independent living.

The program’s structured, dorm-style housing is fully staffed and supervised, providing young adults with resources such as coaching and job readiness training to help them successfully transition to adulthood. The program also connects individuals with mental health services and financial education.

CycleBars Reopening with Safety Measures in Place

West Point alumnus Col (R) Reese Turner has served his country for over 30 years and deployed to different countries in the war against terror. He continues to serve his community as a board member of four nonprofit organizations. Col (R) Reese Turner promotes a healthy lifestyle as a spin instructor at the CycleBar studios in Middletown Station in Kentucky.

As CycleBar reopens its cycling studios across the country, the company is adhering to all local and state regulations relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. CycleBar is strictly following CDC guidelines and reconfiguring its operations to provide a safe environment for its clients. The studios are reducing their class sizes to ensure riders are socially distanced at least six feet apart during classes and while in the facility.

Clients must also affirm that they are in good health upon booking a class and sign a waiver affirming that they will adhere to the new studio policies. Through the Ride CycleBar Mobile App, clients check-in using their phone prior to entering the studio instead of going to the front desk kiosk to cut down on the amount of interaction among the riders.. Upon entering the studio and riders getting on their bikes, the instructor gives all commands verbally and demonstrates with no hands-on adjustments. After every class, the bikes and equipment is meticulously cleaned with approved products to sanitize all equipment before the next class of riders enter into the studio.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the lives of people, with the reopening of exercise facilities, people have a sense of returned normalcy. They can regain their physical health, and exercise is also a proven antidote against depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Camp Quality for Child Cancer Warriors

A veteran of the United States Army, Col (R) Reese Turner helps clients reach their fitness goals as a coach and trainer with ProFormance Results in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the ways Col (R) Reese Turner and his fellow Proformance coaches and trainers give back to their community, is by running a mini-boot camp for children at Camp Quality, an overnight camp for children who have or have had cancer.

From 18 locations in 13 states, Camp Quality offers week-long overnight summer camps for children aged 4 to 17 who have experienced cancer. In addition to participating in traditional summer camp activities that cultivate friendship and creativity, campers can attend a reunion in the fall and year-round activities including family weekends and day trips.

The camp raises funds all year to be able to provide camp at no cost; families are only responsible for their transportation costs to and from camp. All camps offer 24-hour medical care for campers, as well as either an on-call or onsite doctor. In 2019, Camp Quality provided safe summer fun for 713 young people with cancer and 259 of their siblings.

Get Your Burn On! Interval Training at ProFormance in Louisville

After graduating from West Point in 1988, Col. Reese Turner joined the Army. During his 30 years of service, Col. Reese Turner performed a wide range of duties on several bases in the United States and abroad. After retiring in 2018, he joined the team at ProFormance, a health and well-being company that is leading the fitness craze in Louisville with a variety of intense workouts.

When it comes to fitness, one misconception is that cardio training is the most effective way to lose weight and burn calories. Studies show that while all exercise burns calories and fat, the more intense the exercise, the higher the oxygen consumption, and thus the more calories and fat burned. At Boots2Lead a number of high intensity interval training classes are offered (HIIT). Depending on your fitness level, HIIT bursts are relatively short, from 30 to 90 seconds, but should push one almost to the limit. However, HIIT isn’t simply a matter of pushing oneself to exhaustion while working out. Rest is crucial as it conditions the heart while alternating between the high-intensity bursts of energy and the low-intensity resting intervals.

In addition to HIIT, Boots2Lead also offers muscle strength and endurance training, high-intensity resistance training, and nutrition and health guidance. Participants are paired with fellow trainees for inspiration, motivation, and accountability. Further information is available from the program’s website at proformanceresults.com/bootcamp.

Center for Creative Leadership's Coaching Services

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Col. (R) Reese Turner is a trainer at ProFormance Health & Well-Being and an indoor cycling instructor at Cyclebar. While serving in the Army, Col. (R) Reese Turner was afforded the opportunity, along with only a select few fellow senior officers, to attend and complete the executive leadership program at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

Operating from 12 offices around the world, CCL has provided education programs in leadership development for almost 50 years, during which time it has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies. CCL offers coaching services as part of the company’s research and education efforts and considers coaching as one of the most effective ways to support leadership development within organizations.

CCL’s coaching services are designed for individuals and groups and are facilitated coaches who have a variety of professional backgrounds and expertise in different industries. Coaching services offered through CCL are flexible, tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations, and designed to be integrated as part of organizations’ leadership development initiatives. Coaches with CCL complete rigorous training and are continuously monitored to ensure they are providing maximal value to their clients.

Free Services at Have a Heart Clinic

A Boots2Lead trainer at ProFormance Results in Louisville, Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner draws on decades of leadership in the U.S. Army. Dedicated to giving back to his local community, Col. Reese Turner serves on the board of the Have A Heart Clinic.

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Michael and Sandy Imburgia and Susan Dillon, the Have A Heart Clinic seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals without regard to insurance status or financial resources. With six full-time staff members and numerous volunteers, the clinic provides a diverse range of cardiovascular care services.

Have A Heart's services begin with a new patient appointment when clients meet with volunteers for a consultation. Subsequently, patients have access to cardiovascular screening, electrocardiograms (EKGs), carotid and abdominal aorta ultrasounds, and telemetry monitoring as needed. Those experiencing possible blockages in their limbs can participate in the lower extremity arterial study. The clinic also offers a stress test to evaluate how well the arteries provide blood to the heart.

For more information about the Have A Heart Clinic or to become a volunteer, visit the website at www.haveaheartclinic.org.

High-Intensity Interval Training at Boots2Lead

Getting ready for training

Photo by Alexander Redl on Unsplash

As an artillery officer in the US Army, Col (R) Reese Turner received extensive military training, most notably from the US Military Academy at West Point and the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, (where he earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies). During his 31-year career he held commands and staff positions in several Army posts worldwide, including combat commands in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now retired from the Army, Col (R) Reese Turner heads Boots2Lead, a physical and mental health and wellness program, with lessons in leadership embedded, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Boots2Lead offers high intensity interval training (HIIT). Studies show that while all exercise burns calories and fat, the more intense the exercise, the higher the oxygen consumption, and thus the more calories and fat burned. Depending on ability, HIIT bursts are relatively short, from 30 to 90 seconds, but should push one almost to the limit. However, HIIT isn’t simply a matter of pushing oneself to exhaustion while working out. Rest (the “interval”) is critical because the heart gets its best conditioning when it alternates between the high-intensity bursts of energy and the low-intensity resting intervals (which should be about twice as long as the high-intensity bursts for beginners, and shorter for more seasoned trainees).

In addition to HIIT, Boots2Lead also offers muscle strength and endurance training, high-intensity resistance training, and nutrition and health guidance. Participants are paired with fellow trainees for inspiration, motivation, and accountability, and train for two 1-hour sessions weekly, each starting at precisely 5:30 AM. Finally, Col (R) Reese Turner takes time every session to share his lessons on leadership to help every participant become a better leader. Further information is available from the program’s website at proformanceresults.com/bootcamp.

Golf Event Funds Program for Children of Military Members

A retired military officer with more than three decades of service, Col. Reese Turner (Ret.) is the co-creator of Boots2Lead, a seven week leadership boot camp designed to instill 14 principles of leadership, while experiencing the physical and mental rigors of a military-type boot camp workout, coupled with learning 7 principles in fitness, at Proformance Health & Well-Being in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also an indoor cycling instructor where he motivates up to 50 riders at one time to push themselves physically and mentally, for both CycleBar locations in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, Col. Reese Turner is a longtime member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). 

MOAA provides many support services to military members and their families. One of the most important is the MOAA Educational Assistance Program and Scholarship Fund, which helps children of military members fund their undergraduate education through scholarships and loans with no interest. The fund has been in place for more than 70 years, and is made possible through donations from corporate partners, MOAA members, and fundraising events.

One such event is the Jeff Peck Memorial Golf Classic in Clifton, Virginia. In 2019, the annual function brought in $70,000 to help provide for scholarships and loans through the program.

To find out more about the awards or to apply, visit moaa.org/education.

Haven Family Services at Boys and Girls Haven

Col(R) Reese Turner spent more than 30 years in various leadership roles in the United States Army, including his most recent role as an executive director and division chief. He also has experience in the public sector, recently serving as the vice president of skills at Interapt, a mobile and web application development company in Louisville, Kentucky. Beyond his military and professional experience, Col (R) Reese Turner supports philanthropic organizations such as Boys and Girls Haven of Louisville.

Boys and Girls Haven was established by Father James C. Maloney in the 1940s to serve Louisville’s children in need. Today, the organization provides programs in areas of in-home foster care, residential foster care, transitional living, independence readiness, and Haven Family Services.

Support through Haven Family Services, which functions as the organization’s preventative wing, is available to children and families with children, particularly children at risk of hospitalization or out-of-home care due to mental health or behavioral issues. The program’s services include counseling for individuals and families, extensive medical support, and case management support. In addition, families can access outpatient substance abuse treatment through Haven Family Services.

To learn more about the services of Boys and Girls Haven, visit www.boysandgirlshaven.org.

The 2019 MOAA Military and Veteran Networking Forum

As the vice president of skills with Interapt in Louisville, Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner leads a diverse team of IT professionals and provides comprehensive IT project management. He formerly led military personnel as a colonel in the U.S. Army. Col. Reese Turner continues to support his fellow veterans and enlisted service members as a member of the Military Officers Association of America.

The largest professional group of military officers in the United States, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) supports strong national defense and advocates for military officers and their families at all career phases and stages. As part of these efforts, MOAA sponsors its annual Military and Veteran Networking Forum.

The 2019 MOAA Military and Veteran Networking Forum will take place on September 19, 2019, at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. MOAA has designed this event to help active service members, veterans, and military spouses network with executives, human resource professionals, and other key representatives of leading companies with military-friendly reputations.

How Women Veterans Can Overcome Challenges of Civilian Workforce

A retired army officer, Col. Reese Turner spent almost three decades in the U.S. Army. Now the vice president of skills at Interapt in Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner looks forward to assisting veterans, including women veterans, transition to civilian life as part of the Interapt skills program.

The fastest growing segment of the military is women. They comprise 14 percent of military forces in active duty and 9 percent of veterans. To date, over 280,000 women have been deployed in conflict areas in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the number of women veterans is expected to double by 2045.

Despite their growing contribution to the security of the country, however, women veterans are still facing challenges joining the job market. On top of the challenges that all veterans face like difficulty using military skills in the workplace and exaggerated concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder, women veterans face additional challenges like gender stereotypes, the wage gap, and difficulty balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. All these make their transition that much harder. 

For women transitioning into the civilian job market, there are a number of helpful coping tips. First, seek employment in firms that value veterans. These can be found through sites like militaryfriendly.com or through references from other women veterans. Research potential employers before applying to find out about their internal policies and any assistance programs they have for veterans. Second, learn to leverage military skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership to advance your career. Last, build a strong professional network, including a woman veteran mentor, to help with your job search and career progression.

City of Refuge Provides Mercy Care

The Vice President of Skills at Interapt in Louisville, Kentucky, Col. Reese Turner, who has led units in the United States Army for nearly three decades, leads a team of 15 people that provide a proven workforce development program in information technology that empowers people with the technical, business and life skills needed by today’s employers. Interapt and Col. Reese Turner support organizations such as City of Refuge in Atlanta, dedicated to providing opportunities through technology to transform the lives of those selected for the program and empower them to positively impact their lives and their community.

For more than 21 years, the City of Refuge has pioneered programs for social renewal, assisting numerous people who are living beneath the federal poverty line. The organization partners with other local groups to further its reach. For example, its Mercy Care program involves a partnership with the local Saint Joseph Health System.

Mercy Care provides medical care, including vision and dental services, to thousands of individuals each year. Patients can also receive mental health care through the program. Mercy Care strives to carry on the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy by bringing hope and compassion to each patient.

CycleBar Offers Multi-Sensory Riding Experience with Statistics

Recently retired from the U.S. Army where he served in several executive positions at, most recently at Fort Knox, Kentucky, COL Reese Turner, retired, now works in the IT field as the Vice President of Skills for the IT firm Interapt in Louisville. A believer in the importance of coaching, teaching, and mentoring, COL Reese Turner, retired, also teaches at CycleBar in Louisville, which gives him the opportunity to continue inspiring people in a class of as many as 50 people.

A company dedicated to premium indoor cycling, CycleBar offers a variety of classes and other experiences for new and experienced riders. Its Cycle Theater provides an immersive experience with the latest technology in audio, lighting, and video.

The Cycle Theater can host as many as 50 custom indoor bikes on its multi-tiered levels. Other features range from personal data monitoring equipment to two enormous flat-screen TVs.

In order to supplement riders' experience in the Cycle Theater, CycleBar offers additional programs such as CycleStats, which keeps track of key fitness statistics such as RPM and calories burned. CycleStats then sends the day's stats to riders by email to assist them in tracking their workout goals.

Louisville Urban League Prepares Students for College Education

The recipient of a master’s degree in strategic studies from U.S. Army War College, Col. Reese Turner has held various leadership positions throughout his career in the United States Army. For the past two years, Col. Reese Turner has performed his military duties stationed at Fort Knox, while concurrently serving on three non-profit boards in Louisville and being an avid supporter of many others in the Louisville community to include the Louisville Urban League.

An interracial community service organization, the Louisville Urban League advocates for social and economic equality for African-Americans and other disadvantaged groups of people. Working with community leaders, public officials, and business professionals, the organization promotes racial harmony in various areas of life, including education.

One of the Louisville Urban League’s education programs is the Project Ready Program. This out-of-school youth development and education program seeks to assist students in their preparation and transition from high school to college. Project Ready prepares the youth through college and career exploration, individual goal planning, academic enrichment, and leadership development.

Through the guidance of the Individual College Development Plan (ICDP), the curriculum focuses on improving students’ life skills, communication skills, and leadership skills. Through these efforts, the program aims to empower students and teach them resilience and success in life and academics.

MOAA Military Spouse Program Earns Prestigious Award

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in engineering management from West Point and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, Col. Reese Turner is an experienced United States Army officer who serves as executive director at Fort Knox and strategic advisor to the director of enlisted assignments for the Operations Support Division. Supplementing his experience, Col. Reese Turner holds a lifetime membership with the Military Officers Association of American (MOAA).

The MOAA has been working diligently to improve employment opportunities for spouses of military members over the past few years, and its flagship MOAA Military Spouse Professional Development program was recognized in that regard. The program recently earned the prestigious "Power of A" Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its "Keeping a Career on the Move" symposia series and social media platform, both of which focus on the career transition of spouses of service members. The honor comes six years after the MOAA Career Transition program earned ASAE's highest national honor, the ASAE Summit Award.

The "Keeping a Career on the Move" initiative was launched following a 2014 study commissioned with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University that found there was a 20 percent unemployment rate among military spouses who wanted to work. The study also uncovered an underemployment rate of more than 90 percent given the spouses' experience and education. The symposia series has been able to expand and offer one-day seminars throughout the United States and overseas thanks to funding support from USAA and a collaboration with the Hiring Our Heroes program founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.