Sweating it Out: Chicago Veteran Helps Other Veterans Heal Through Workouts

Denisse Montoya served in the Air Force from 2008-2012. (Facebook) Military.com | By Kevin Damask Published March 15, 2026 at 3:00am ET Despite her diminutive size, Denisse Montoya has a big heart when it comes to fellow veterans. 

And she’s challenging the warrior ethos she learned in the military to use physical fitness and camaraderie to help veterans. 

Teaming with Illinois Joining Forces, the Jesse Brown VA in Chicago, and the Merging Vets and Players organization, Montoya leads a boot camp workout that leaves participants sweating, huffing and ready for more. Through it all, she’s giving veterans a form of therapy through movement and connection.  

“It’s like, OK, let’s do this together,” Montoya told WGN 9 in Chicago. “Let’s lift you up, let’s lift each other up.” 

In her classes, Montoya, standing barely above five feet, can’t be easily dismissed as she barks out words of encouragement, directing her class through grueling lunges, sit ups, and relays. Sure, some would probably like to quit, but they’re pushed on by Montoya and other veterans. They know they have their backs. 

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Source: Military.com
Website: www.military.com