An Inspiration to Us All

 

As a USAF Service-Connected Disabled Gulf War Veteran with over 22 years experience working in the fitness industry, it was a natural progression of my journey to combine my passion for fitness along with my commitment to help veterans into this social-venture we call the Veterans Fitness Career College (VFCC).  With a loving wife, Gina, at my side and 7-month old son to provide for and set an example for, I’m charging forward to help my family and my community.

Myself and the VFCC Team are a group of caring veterans with extensive experience in the fitness industry working together with industry leaders to provide transitioning veterans the knowledge, skills, support, and confidence to get and stay healthy while establishing a rewarding and sustainable career helping others look and feel their best. The result is more jobs for our veterans and a healthier America.

What differentiates us in the market is that VFCC is the only academic institution with an all-veteran staff providing flexible online learning programs, specifically tailored to the needs of veterans along with paid apprenticeships and direct job placement at hundreds of health clubs across the globe within our partner Veteran Friendly Fitness Organizations.

My own commitment to help veterans is fueled not just by my own personal service, but it also comes from my extended family history of military veterans who have served in all branches of service dating back to the Civil War. In fact, my only brother and I both served, my Dad, several of my uncles, my grandfathers, my great grandfathers, and others have all served in the Armed Forces.  As an example, my brother, Dr. David Paschane, is a US Army Veteran who currently works as a Senior Analyst at the Department of Veteran Affairs; is an Associate Research Professor at UMBC; and is the founder of the non-profit Military Alumni Transition Career Headquarters (MATCH).

My own military experience began in the late 80’s when I joined the United States Air Force and served during Desert Storm, Panama Crisis, Somalia, and the Gulf War. However, during my service, I developed multiple debilitating back and joint problems as well as other health problems leading to complications with the health of my liver and spleen due to excessive exposure to toxic chemicals I was required to work around. Regardless of these health setbacks, rating at an 80% service-connected disability, I began an entirely new journey seeking the knowledge and doing the work to get and stay health. With this success of my own, I began a career helping others get fit.

Towards the end of my military service, I served as a United States Air Force (USAF) Diet Therapist, as well as a voluntary Wellness Committee Chairman for the 435th Supply Squadron at Norton AFB. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the USAF in 1994, I earned my first “Advanced Level: Personal Trainer Certification” and later went on to earn eight (8) other well-known and respected certifications in areas such as fitness, advanced nutrition, rehabilitation, sport conditioning, MMA conditioning, and more. Eventually, I earned an AA with an emphasis in Physical Education, BABC specializing in Entrepreneurship, and an MBA specializing in Entrepreneurship—all with Summa Cum Laude honors.

I worked hard and was able achieve a variety of successes in the fitness industry. As a Professional MMA Strength & Conditioning Coach, I trained several Strikeforce and UFC Fighters and as a Fitness Trainer, I’ve trained countless individuals of all types including many well-known celebrities (e.g. Randy Jackson, Dr. Dre, Paul Reiser, Tim Allen, Wyclef Jean, and many others).

Taking on greater challenges in my career, I worked as a Fitness Certification Instructor at Irvine Valley College and Riverside Community College; owned two well-known fitness studio franchises in California; was a top producing Regional Fitness Manager for Gold's Gym overseeing the Exercise & Nutrition departments for forty (40) gyms in the central US; and I was also the number one producer in the nation from 2000-2004 for Bowflex Strength Training Equipment. In the process of all this, I provided several hundred hours of public speaking at colleges, health clubs, hospitals, and corporations, as well as in the media where I’ve been featured on CNN, FOX, CBS, and more.

Today, as I lead the VFCC Community, we are working to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Focused on our motto: Healing the Health and Wealth of America’s Best”; we strive to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders as we continuously prove why veterans consider us their #1 solution for fitness education, certification, job placement, career guidance, and support. Learn more about Chris Paschane and the Veterans Fitness Career College at www.vfccollege.org.  Chris Paschane may also be contacted at: (714) 362-8618 X100