In 2014, I was introduced to “Hero WODs” (meaning “workout of the day”)—high-intensity CrossFit workouts dedicated to those who have given their lives in service: military members, federal agents, and first responders. These memorials required more resolve than anythingelse I had tried before but, no matter how hard they were or how tired I felt, I pressed on, knowing that quitting was completely unacceptable. I loved what the workouts stood for, and committed myself to completing 52 Hero WODs in a year. A few months in, I realized that finishing a workout didn’t have a positive impact on anyone but me, and I wanted to find a way to give back. The Hero Workouts is the result of what started as a personal challenge: a compendium of 100 workouts with biographies and stories about the fallen men and women whose memories they honor.
In writing and learning about these service members, I’ve also become more familiar with the issues faced by wounded veterans and their families. I started volunteering with another veteran aid group, believing that our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, and Marines deserve the support of the people they have risked their lives protecting. It has never seemed right to me that a person who has willingly committed their life to our country could be left with so little afterwards. This book has become my way of not only showing them my gratitude, but living it. All profits I am entitled to as the author are donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation to help the families of the fallen. There are many, many more workouts that have been dedicated to our national heroes, and I plan to continue publishing these workouts to raise funds for military charities.
While reading The Hero Workouts, you will find charitable causes associated with the honorees and their workouts. There are foundations started in their names, scholarships given in their honor, and projects to preserve their legacy, each representing the person they were, or something
they believed.
So I charge you: attack these workouts. Read about the person you are honoring, and give them your greatest effort. Consider making a contribution to a charity in their name. Many of the organizations and events can benefit not only from your monetary gifts but also from donations of
your time.
These heroes and their families have given more than most of us can fully appreciate, and for that they have my utmost thanks. Remember also the men and women who continue to defend our country, at home and abroad—they make us strong and will not be forgotten.
-- Carter Henry
