The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) is the constant in a military family’s life: on the home front and during deployment, when transitioning between bases, and in times of conflict and peace.

The ASYMCA is an independent, national non-profit and Association of the YMCA of the USA, specifically dedicated to serving active duty military service members and their families of all six Armed Forces: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. 

The oldest military support organization in the U.S., the ASYMCA has been “Strengthening Our Military Family^®” since 1861 through its 12 branches and 23 affiliate partners, serving 87 military installations and facilities nationwide. Our nationally and locally tailored programs and services for our nation’s troops and their families are offered at no or low cost and require no dues or membership fees.

What started as a call to comfort the wounded during the Civil War has grown to “Strengthening Our Military Family^®” every single day.

The proud heritage of the Armed Services YMCA begins in 1861 during the Civil War when dedicated YMCA volunteers provided relief and comfort to sick and wounded soldiers. Initially the volunteers provided aide at military encampments located near the front lines, but shortly after, they braved the danger accompanying the solders on the battlefields.

News of these selfless and courageous actions spread quickly and the number of volunteers increased dramatically. Within months, the movement turned into the first large-scale civilian volunteer service corps and formed as the United States Christian Commission, whose purpose was to provide spiritual and physical comfort to soldiers.