Alan Torres

Name: Alan Torres
City/State: Tampa, FL
Branch of Service: Army
Dates of Service: 2014-2018
Last Rank Held: E5
Military Occupation: HIMARS Crewmember
Current Occupation: Founder & Lead Yoga Instructor, O.M. Yoga & Training | MSW Candidate
X: N/A
Instagram: @coachalantorres
Facebook: N/A
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/coachalantorres
TikTok: N/A

Alan outside of the military:

I’m a Registered Advanced Yoga Teacher and the founder of O.M. Yoga & Training, a mobile yoga and wellness company serving the Tampa, FL area. When I’m not teaching or deepening my own practice, I’m usually swinging kettlebells or exploring new areas of study.

Alan on joining the IAVA Cavalry:

I joined IAVA to stay in service to the veteran community and advocate for better access to the tools and support that make real mental health care possible. As an MSW candidate, I’m combining clinical training with advocacy to expand how veterans connect to mental health resources. IAVA gives me a platform to do this work and make a meaningful impact for those navigating the transition after service.

How the military experience affected Alan’s personal growth:

My time in the military laid the foundation for who I am today as a professional, advocate, husband, and leader. I learned accountability, attention to detail, and what it means to lead with integrity, even when no one is watching. I also learned how people from very different backgrounds can come together through shared purpose and trust. These lessons continue to guide how I show up in my work, my relationships, and my commitment to serving others.

IAVA’s policy priorities that are the most pressing:

One of the most important IAVA policy priorities, in my view, is expanding access to alternative therapies for post-9/11 veterans. Every veteran’s path to healing is unique, and it often takes a combination of approaches to manage the mental health challenges that come with military service. I believe that ensuring veterans have access to diverse tools and resources is key to helping each person find what works best for them.

IAVA’s policy priorities with the strongest personal connection for Alan:

The alternative therapies policy is the IAVA policy priority I feel the strongest personal connection to since it aligns with my own journey. My experience with yoga, meditation, and other somatic practices has shown me how powerful these tools can be in supporting long-term wellness. I also advocate for thoughtfully managed access to plant-derived therapies and other emerging treatment options as part of a comprehensive approach to veteran mental health. My daily mindfulness-based practices help me stay grounded, manage stress, and maintain overall wellbeing, and that experience fuels my commitment to helping fellow veterans access a broad range of tools and resources for their own recovery.