Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Ryan performs the CrossFit Hero workout "Bradshaw" at...... read more read more
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A Naval Academy professor completed the last of 66 Hero CrossFit workouts to raise more than $4,100 for the Wounded Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warrior Foundation, at a local gym, CrossFit Rife, in Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 28.
Lt. Cmdr. John Ryan, an explosive ordnance disposal officer assigned to the Naval Academy, said he took on this fundraiser to raise awareness and give back to the community.
Hero workouts of the day are named after service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and members of the CIA who practiced CrossFit and died in the line of duty.
“I see each CrossFit Hero WOD as an opportunity to celebrate the memory of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and to embrace and overcome the challenges that we face every day,” said Ryan. “Completing each Hero WOD is an honor earned, not given.”
The money Ryan raised will provide financial assistance to newly-combat-injured EOD technicians and their families. WEODWF provides an initial grant of $3,000 and a care package that includes an Apple iPad, said Audry Jones, an ambassador for the WEODWF. The iPad helps these service members stay in touch with their team and family members who cannot be by their bedside. Jones said, staying in contact with friends and family is a vital part of the healing and rehabilitation process.
Ryan started a blog for his family and friends to follow, and encouraged others to post their own WOD times, photos and videos. When Ryan dreaded waking up early to work out in the cold, he said he thought of the fallen heroes, as well as those who were following his blog.
“It didn’t hurt that I had a blog being followed by a handful of folks who, if I bailed on my schedule, may have sent along some friendly ribbing,” said Ryan. “Peer pressure is a wonderful motivator and the unique community created by CrossFit is an amazing thing.”
Nicole Ryan, John’s wife, recounts him waking up at 6 a.m. to complete his WOD in 20 degree weather to ensure it was finished before the family’s Christmas morning festivities.
“When faced with a challenge he always gives 100 percent,” said Nicole. “He didn’t veer off the schedule once in 3 months, even for the holidays. He is an amazing father and husband because he is dedicated, loyal, kind, level-headed and very logical.”
Those traits helped Ryan to succeed in completing the goals he set for himself.
“I have found that this endeavor has motivated me to honestly and realistically set goals in my life,” said Ryan, “And to understand and appreciate that I still have significant room for improvement not only as a CrossFitter, but as a husband, father, educator and person.”
Ryan said he was overwhelmed and humbled by people’s generosity and is now brainstorming on how he and the other organizations can possibly transition this effort into a sustainable yearly event.
| Date Taken: | 01.28.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2012 11:15 |
| Story ID: | 83132 |
| Location: | VIRGININA BEACH, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,049 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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