"During this workout, as with any of the Hero WODs, I am motivated by the sacrifice these guys made."
On August 6, 2011 a Chinook helicopter went down in Wardak Province, Afghanistan killing 30 military service members and one military canine. Out of this tragedy, a cause was born.
The 31 Heroes Project honors the fallen heroes of the past, present and future. The project is based around a workout titled 31 Heroes. It exists to raise money for numerous organizations, including the memorial funds of each of the men killed in the crash, as well as to honor their memory and sacrifice.
On July 31, currently deployed military service members gathered in Logar Province, Afghanistan to complete the workout and show their gratitude to the fallen men.
The significance of this workout is close to the hearts of our service members. “It was a chance to honor our brothers in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to know that they are not forgotten,” Chief Warrant Officer Chad Peyton says.
Peyton is a Blackhawk pilot who has been deployed in Afghanistan for the last 11 months.
The community of CrossFit has always shown incredible involvement with, and respect to, those who serve our country. Hero WODs are notoriously difficult and keeping the cause in the forefront of our minds creates motivation to power through. “During this workout, as with any of the Hero WODs, I am motivated by the sacrifice these guys made,” Peyton says. “Whenever I feel like I should stop and take a break, I think about what they would probably do to be where I am. It is a stark reminder that life is finite and could be over at any time, and that motivates me to push myself.”
Just having passed the one-year anniversary of this tragedy, it is important to remember these men and the sacrifices they made for our freedom. The pain endured during the workout is miniscule in comparison to the pain felt by the families and loved ones of the fallen men. It is through this small token, the CrossFit community shows its appreciation.
“This workout, in particular, is more significant to me personally because it did happen close to where I have served for the last 11 months,” Peyton says. “I did this workout last year just before I deployed and after arriving in country I got to know some of the friends and co-workers of the crew members that lost their lives when their aircraft was shot down. I feel like the circumstances surrounding the incident make it hit a little closer to home.”
For more information on how to participate visit http://www.31heroes.com/