ABOUT US
Freedom Fitness America is a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Marine veteran Chris Reardon, built to strengthen the physical, mental, and spiritual readiness of service members.
After over a decade in the military, Chris saw a gap—while troops were prepared for combat, many lacked real support for navigating personal challenges like mental health, resilience, and family life. Traditional training methods weren’t enough.
Freedom Fitness was created to change that.
The program combines functional fitness—obstacle courses, trail running, and team challenges—with practical life skills and resiliency training, including optional faith-based support. Its first pilot in 2017 proved that this integrated approach was both effective and scalable.
Today, Freedom Fitness America equips military professionals to handle stress, strengthen their lives beyond service, and return home whole—while giving supporters a way to contribute to that mission.
Founder and Executive Director (LtCol, USMC)
Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Reardon is a seasoned US Marine with a lifelong commitment to leadership, faith, and service. Growing up in Waterbury, CT, he was inspired to join the military and attended the United States Naval Academy, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a master’s in Environmental Engineering & Science. He also completed a master’s-level program training leaders to integrate Christian faith into their lives.
He has deployed multiple times overseas, serving in aviation, infantry, and expeditionary units, and has worked extensively with military chaplains. Chris created programs like “After God’s Own Heart” and led SoCal Crucible events, helping Marines improve mental health, reduce sexual assault and suicidal ideation, and strengthen resilience.
A passionate fitness advocate, he is CrossFit certified, has coached at gyms, and runs his own boot camp. His mission is to ensure military members return from combat mentally, physically, and spiritually whole, captured in his motto: “Fit for the Fight and Life.” Through Freedom Fitness America, he brings this vision to reality.
PATTY (BACON) KLOP
Advisory Group Member (Colonel, USMCR)
Colonel Patty Klop is a career Marine Corps officer with 30 years of service across combat deployments, leadership, and human performance.
She has served globally, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and held key roles in training, civil affairs, and senior personnel leadership. A recognized expert in Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR), she has trained hundreds of Marines nationwide.
With advanced degrees and certifications in fitness, leadership, and mental resilience, Colonel Klop bridges physical readiness with mental strength—both in the military and beyond.
Her mission is simple: develop Marines who are ready for combat, resilient under stress, and strong at home.
Learn more about her work and story:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BYsZdG9tDXWVH9fHqG7h1xE7c4TP9AQg/view?ts=62f58c2f