Wellness Services

Two years ago, male Veteran Sirianni, 33, of Center Township took the challenge but had to drop out 10 miles shy of the finish. “I got to the last checkpoint and had really bad chaffing of my legs. I couldn’t walk anymore,” he said. “It’s a lot of walking” — even more than when he was a Marine. Sirianni served tours of duty in Iraq, Africa, and Western Europe from 2003 to 2007. He estimated the longest hike in the military was about 25 miles.  Sirianni said he owes a lot to Veterans Leadership Program, one of the reasons he’s subjecting himself to the grueling experience again. About five years ago, he was laid off and VLP helped him land a job at Covestro in Robinson Township.  “I always felt the need to help and give back,” he said. Plus, he wants to support other Veterans, too, who “maybe aren’t as far ahead in life as they want to be.” “It’s tough,” Sirianni said of the Crucible Hike, “but a good challenge…I’m not quitting this time.”

“I’ve been able to do things I never thought I would be able to, thanks to VLP’s wellness program.  I didn’t hit the goals that I initially set, but I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been.  I pay more attention to my nutrition…I don’t always follow what I should, but I at least recognize that what I’m eating is bad…I don’t drink as much, and I’m not intimidated to walk into the gym anymore.”