Thank You For Your Service: Honoring Veterans this November 11

“Without heroes, we are all plain people and don’t know how far we can go.”

— Bernard Malamud

On Saturday, November 11, CrossFitters around the United States will gather in affiliates and garage gyms to honor military veterans of the Armed Forces and thank them for their service. 

Although not a comprehensive list, here is a brief rundown of some of the events going on around the country, as well as Veterans fundraisers that have already taken place.

“CHAD1000X”

• “Chad” was named after Chad Wilkinson, a 22-year active duty SEAL stationed in Virginia Beach, who took his own life on October 29th, 2018.
• The goal is to honor Chad’s life and legacy and to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
• The workout:
  • 1,000 box step-ups completed as a team, partner, or individual for time
  • Three Options:
    1. Slick/Beginner: No rucksack. You pick the height of the step-ups.
    2. Standard/Intermediate: 30/20-pound rucksack. You pick the height of the step-ups.
    3. Expert: 45-pound rucksack. Use 20-inch box for step-ups.
  • You can register or donate now.

The Always Forward Initiative 

• Led by Jamison Price, this nonprofit provides low-income, at-risk populations with access to CrossFit memberships and life mentorship and will be completing a hero workout on the hour for 24 hours to honor veterans.
• The initiative serves at-risk populations, including:
  • At-risk youth, partnered with Expanding Horizons
  • Adults in recovery, partnered with The Phoenix
  • Veterans, partnered with The Big Fish Foundation
  • Cancer survivors, partnered with Battle Cancer
• For individuals in these populations who are eligible due to verified income barriers, the Initiative is able to pay for their membership through its scholarship program.
• Want to get involved?

• Participate virtually or onsite. 
• Donate to the Always Forward Initiative.

CrossFit Uprising and “The Bruce”

• Member of CrossFit Uprising and Veteran Matt Huff has created a new Hero Wod called “The Bruce.”
• The affiliate will be the first to participate in the workout on Veterans Day
  • An average of 22 veterans take their lives every day and “The Bruce” is designed to bring awareness to the issues of veteran suicide and PTSD, while raising funds to provide fitness scholarships to veterans 
  • Learn more about the cause and the workout

DT’s Row2 Hold Fast 2023

• CrossFit Skylands in Sparta, NJ, has been working with The Big Fish Foundation for their Veterans Day event
• The Big Fish Foundation’s mission is to challenge, empower, and inspire veterans to live meaningful, purpose-driven lives
• The event is a spin on “CHAD1000X,” partnering a two-hour row with the Hero workout
  • On 3, 2, 1, go, one partner will begin rowing for calories, and the second partner will begin doing “Chad.”
  • The team will decide when they would like to switch, as the time duration is 2 hours.
  • Both partners will complete “CHAD1000X” individually, and once it is completed, the partners alternate rowing until the 2 hours are complete
  • Participate or donate

Two Portsmouth CrossFit Gyms Unite to Support Veterans’ Mental Health

• CrossFit Choice and CrossFit Portsmouth Spartan Kettlebell Club (PSKC) are owned by military personnel and veterans, creating a strong bond between the two communities.
• As a united front, they rallied their members and supporters to raise funds for two charities that focus on supporting veterans struggling with mental health issues, providing outreach programs and assistance during their transition to civilian life.
• The chosen charities are All Call Signs (UK) and 50 For The Fallen (USA), both of which are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

• Starting on Friday, October 27th, 2023, both affiliates joined forces to cover the distance of 5,158,440 meters between them by running, rowing, skiing, and biking to virtually meet in the middle of the Atlantic.
• Read more about this unique event