Editor’s Note

Murph, Memorial Day, and Amazing Men and Women

I remember the first time I was faced with attempting the “Murph” workout on Memorial Day weekend. The workout: A 1-mile run, followed by 100 pullups, 200 pushups, and 300 unweighted squats, followed by another 1-mile run. I thought, “Good Lord, I am going to need some supernatural help to get this done.” True to almost everything I do, I could do more than I thought I could, albeit I did not finish the workout. I can remember very clearly as I slogged through each movement thinking, “I will not quit until I cannot do another movement. Murph didn’t quit. This is in his honor. My effort, my sweat, my sore muscles are nothing compared to his sacrifice.” Want to know more about Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL killed in action in 2005, who this workout is named in honor of? Check out our Health & Wellness article, The Murph Challenge, written by CrossFit Due North’s owner and fellow Veteran, Brad Giglio.

In this issue, contributor Mike Kent shares the story of how a motorcycle and a truck did what 19 years as a Marine and 18 tours in some of the hottest war zones in the world could never do in the life of Laszlo Szalay. It humbled him to a place of great pain and suffering. Incredibly that experience led to the birth of Brave Heart Estates, a place of sanctuary and safety for veterans. Be sure to read this incredible article and consider what you can do to support Brave Heart Estates in their efforts. If you are looking for a great book to read, check out Bill Monger’s newly published book, Support Troops: Behind The Scenes Of The Air War In Vietnam, and read his story of racing to repair battle-scarred jets when they returned from combat. Though Bill served hundreds of miles from the front lines, he had a huge impact in his service to these pilots.

Finally, in honor of Memorial Day, though not lost in active duty, we want to pay tribute to an incredible man. Kevin Jack Steuterman was a young man who had served his country as an officer for eight years on active duty in the United States Air Force. Kevin lost his life tragically in an avalanche accident, and his loss has left a chasm for many to endure.

I am honored to continue to memorialize the stories of such amazing men and women who have served our country selflessly and faithfully. If you know of a Veteran, active-duty military person, Veteran-owned business, or Veterans service provider you would like to nominate for a feature article, please email hannah@ gatherveterans.com. Though this magazine is a Michigan-based and focused magazine, we are open to any contributions for consideration.

In the Trenches

Hannah Bouwmeester ~ Publisher