Athletes' sweat honors veterans, warriors Published Nov. 22, 2013 By Rebecca Burylo 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- More than a dozen athletes walked into the Maxwell gym annex at noon Nov. 12, warmed-up and ready to workout. Exchanging comfort for sweat, they remembered veterans who have served and suffered worse things than a grueling day at the gym. The WOD for Warriors was a way for those on the installation, like Maj. Jarrad Glasenapp, a student at Air Command and Staff College, to outwardly express support and respect for veterans. "It was a challenge, but that's why you do it, to honor those who have suffered before you, and hopefully I did a little bit of that today in honor of them," Glasenapp said. Hosted by Maj. Jason Trew and Capt. Andrea Searor along with other ACSC staff members, the event was a way to not only show support of the United States military but also an opportunity to share their team's mission. "It's in honor of Veterans Day," Trew said. "But the whole idea of our Team RWB [Red, White and Blue] is that there is a whole host of veterans whose lives could be improved by more physical fitness and more social connection in their local community." Their team, which began in October with nine ACSC members, has grown to 80 military members and veterans in one month. Together they hope to reach veterans on base and in the community, connect them with local organizations, teach them new skills and introduce them to different people. The free WOD, or workout of the day, was one way for the group to engage others and spread their mission around Maxwell. The workout was entitled "Armistice," which uses 11 repetitions of each exercise to symbolize the 11th hour, the 11th day on the 11th month the armistice was signed to end World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, this day was later renamed Veterans Day. Broken into two parts, the 20-minute workout consisted of constantly varied functional movements designed to maximize intensity, a format commonly associated with Crossfit, a particular workout regimen. Two minutes of rest was scheduled halfway through the workout. For the first part, participants had to accomplish as many rounds of 100-meter sprints, 11 sit-ups and 11 air-squats within nine minutes as possible. After each round, 11 repetitions were added to each set of sit-ups and air-squats. The next part included the same format as the first except, instead of sit-ups and air-squats, participants had to complete pushups and box-jumps. Military and civilians of all fitness levels, skill levels and ages worked side-by-side to grow in strength and honor those who have served and currently serve in the military. Their goal was to support the veterans and engage them in physical and social fitness. "I hope they leave tired but not broken. I hope they leave here primarily meeting other people," Trew said. To join Team RWB, or to learn more, call Trew at 953-25629 or check out their Facebook page, Team RWB (Montgomery, AL).