The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit organization exemplifying the American spirit of caring. We provide support services to military service members and their families, with a particular focus on junior-enlisted men and women -- the individuals on the front lines of defending our nation -- and their families.

The beginning of YMCA service in the military setting usually is associated with the year 1861, when 5,000 dedicated YMCA volunteers took to the battlefields of the Civil War alongside America's uniformed young men. It was the yaer that Abraham Lincoln commended YMCA for the "benevolent undertaking for the benefit of the soldiers."

The tradition of "following the flag" has continued in every war and conflict in which the United States has been involved.

Today, the ASYMCA concentrates on quality programs for young enlisted members and their families. There is no effort to compete with other support agencies. Where there is a need, we try to meet it in cooperation with the installation commander. And the possibility of expansion into geographical areas where there are unmet needs always exists.