"Clovis"

1st Lieutenant Clovis T. Ray  of San Antonio, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  He was killed in action on March 15, 2012 in Asadabad, Kunar province, Afghanistan, of injuries caused by an improvised explosive device.  He died a hero to this country and a role model of devotion to duty.

Veterans Day is a day to reflect upon the sacrifices of those who have or continue to serve.  The men and women who answer our nation’s call and don the uniform are becoming more and more a shrinking sliver of the overall American population.  In the current era the burden of war is placed squarely upon the shoulders of the few.  The nature of modern conflict has made asymmetrical an emerging norm and it will be these veterans who will again answer the call in our communities.  There is no need to say thank you or offer a free dinner at a chain restaurant, as military service is now a choice.  Instead, honor them with quality VA benefits to mitigate the side effects of war and help provide meaningful skills for those returning to the civilian work force.  No veteran requires anyone’s pity nor wants a handout, what they truly yearn for is a sense of community and acceptance into society at large. 

In the Tabata Times article Veterans and CrossFit: Why it Works, the author states, “Our entire military career is built on the foundation that the people around us are our family.”  It is after the veteran returns home and attempts to assimilate back into regular society that the issues start to arise.  Gone is the “battle buddy” who shares the same core beliefs and sacrifices.  The issues of alcohol abuse, drug addiction, marital discord, and even suicide can easily become a new norm for the individual veteran unless a new sense of community is developed.  In comes CrossFit, Team RWB, TeamRubicon, etc…  These organizations are extremely popular with veterans as it provides a sense of belonging to a new tribe that also shares common values, respect, and trust.  It is through these fraternal groups (or those like them) that society can again come together and build common bonds.

Today my CrossFit Box, CrossFit Sweat Angel, honored 1st Lieutenant Clovis T. Ray with a Hero WOD. 

LT…your sacrifice is not forgotten.

“CLOVIS”

For Time

Run 10 miles

150 Burpee Pullups

We performed the WOD as a team of 2.

My Battle Buddy, Devin--Before

After