A Different Kind of Competition…The Most Committed on Earth
Written by Invictus Member Nathan Fletcher
We all know about the annual competition for the “Fittest on Earth” title that culminates every year in July, with both individual and team champions. However, there is another competition for both individuals and teams that culminates in just a few weeks, and it is to claim the title of the “Most Committed on Earth.” The most committed to helping our veterans.
Veterans Day is Friday, November 11th and individuals and affiliates across the country and at military bases across the world are coming together once again to perform the Three Wise Men Veterans Day Tribute. This unique triplet workout honors the life and legacy of three brothers: Jeremy Wise, Ben Wise, and Beau Wise. They are known as the “Three Wise Men.” Jeremy Wise was a Navy SEAL killed in action in Afghanistan. Just two years later, his younger brother Ben Wise, an Army Green Beret, was killed as well. The third brother, Beau Wise, remains on active duty with the United States Marine Corps.
Joining the effort to pay tribute is easy. Click this link, select your affiliate team (Invictus has three teams: one for each location) and register. Your tax-deductible $25 contribution will get you signed up for the Veterans Day workout and will also get you a great looking 2016 Veterans Day Tribute t-shirt. Once you have signed up, you will be taken to your individual fundraising page. Share this link with your friends and family and ask them to join the cause by contributing to your team. Any donation they make will count towards your individual total and the total raised by your affiliate. You can track the top fundraising individuals and affiliates at our custom live updating leaderboard. The top affiliate will be awarded the Three Wise Men Cup, and there are a ton of prizes for the top individuals, including a Concept2 rower and Assault AirBike. Last year’s winner was CrossFit Central Houston, and they are already off to a strong start. It’s time for someone to chase them down!
If you run an affiliate, signing up is easy and free. You simply commit to make the Three Wise Men Veterans Day Tribute your workout of the day on Veterans Day and read a short explanation on the importance and purpose of the day before the workout starts. You can sign up in a few seconds here.
For me, it is personal. Jeremy, Ben and Beau were my cousins and my closest friends growing up. We all joined the military together. I served a decade in the Marine Corps including multiple combat deployments. My younger brother continues to serve in the Navy. I started this foundation to honor the sacrifices of Jeremy and Ben and all who made the ultimate sacrifice. But even more important than that, I started it to fight for the Beau Wise’s of the world: those veterans who survived combat but who we have to now stand with to survive the peace that follows.
We focus on advocacy, awareness and alliances. Our advocacy program pushes for public policy to tackle the stigma of the “unseen wounds of war.” Earlier this year, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 2273, legislation we were proud to help drive that helps the work of reducing the stigma of post traumatic stress. We are now working to take this effort national. Our awareness campaign directly targets veterans with a message of hope, encourage and support and connects them with needed services. On National PTS Awareness Day, we released this great public service announcement as a part of our #MakeTheCall national campaign. Finally, our alliances effort partners with other great veteran organizations to ensure that mental health issues are key to all programs and partnerships. To learn more about our efforts please visit www.3wm.org or watch this short overview video.
However, we can’t do any of this work without your help and assistance, so please take a minute to sign up today!
Semper Fi,
Nathan Fletcher
Founder/Chair, Three Wise Men Veterans Foundation
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