.
.
NAVY LT MICHAEL P. MURPHY
Afghanistan War
Posted on 05/26/2014 10:24:30 AM PDT by FlJoePa
[Morganton, NC]
By Brianne Fleming bfleming@morganton.com
Morganton will be hosting its very first Murph Challenge on Monday, a nationwide and annual Crossfit fundraiser to benefit The Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which is in honor of a fallen military hero who gave his life to save another while at war in Afghanistan.
Some might also know the name Michael Murphy from the 2013 film “Lone Survivor,” which is based on the true story of four Navy Seals on the Operation Red Wings mission in Afghanistan. Murphy is played by actor Taylor Kitsch and is known as the man who helped one member of his team, Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg), survive.
Murphy was known as the officer-in-charge on the Operation Red Wings mission. On a night in June 2005, after Taliban fighters heard of the Seals’ presence in Asadabad, Afghanistan, an intense firefight broke out and Murphy was wounded. He is known as the man who exposed himself to terrain where extreme gunfire was occurring in order to radio for help. Severely injured, Murphy continued shooting and allowed team member Marcus Luttrell to escape before he was killed.
Murphy was posthumously awarded with the Congressional Medal of Honor on Oct. 27, 2007.
The Murphy family started The Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation that same year in order to honor his belief in the importance of education. The foundation now offers nine scholarships per year. All Memorial Day Murph Challenge proceeds and donations support the foundation annually.
The Athletic Performance Lab and Body-Tech Fitness in Morganton have teamed up to debut this event to the community.
Athletic Performance Lab Owner Patrick Henson, who was in the U.S. Navy for six years, said he is looking forward to bringing the Murph Challenge to Morganton.
Henson said there are many workouts throughout the country that are in honor of fallen soldiers. The Murph Challenge workout was something Murphy did before every deployment.
The Murph Challenge is presented by Forged, an American Lifestyle clothing brand founded by two former Navy Seals. The company also sponsors other nationwide Crossfit events.
“Any gym can contact the (Forged) clothing line (if they want to participate in) the Murph Challenge,” he said. “It’s a worldwide workout that people do on Memorial Day, not only to pay tribute to Michael Murphy, but to all vets who have passed away and are current members. It’s a big deal in the fitness community.”
Henson said it is normally Crossfit communities that participate in this event, but that he wanted to become a part of it.
“I actually contacted Forged clothing and became the official host,” he said. “For us, it’s an honor to be able to do it in a small town. We learned we could do it three weeks ago and have been planning it ever since.”
Henson said people will be able to register the day of the event if they are unable to register online and would like to attend, and donations will also be taken the day of. Those who registered through Forged clothing will receive a T-shirt.
“It’s a great cause and it’s a great foundation to contribute to,” he said.
Henson said that although the workout is difficult, the event will be scaled for people of all fitness levels.
“It’s a workout that Lt. Michael Murphy did himself,” he said. “It’s a difficult workout; however, we will scale the workout according to your fitness level. (People) do not have to participate in the full workout.”
Henson said participants will have the option of just walking as well.
The full workout includes a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another 1-mile run – all while wearing a 20 pound vest.
Henson said all Athletic Performance Lab trainers will be participating in the full workout.
“We take pride in leading by example,” he said.
The Murph Challenge will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the Athletic Performance Lab in Morganton. For anyone who has not registered online, the event is free, but donations are welcome.
Henson said it is important to honor not only Murphy and his legacy but all of those who have lost their lives for our country.
“(We want to) actually bring meaning to Memorial Day and (it’s) a great cause,” he said. “It’s the least that we could do for him and military (members) who have passed away.”
This was his workout: "The full workout includes a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another 1-mile run – all while wearing a 20 pound vest."
.
.
Amen to that. What a fine looking couple.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.