July 17, 2017 - Catch A Lift

Way to go, Jeremiah!

Our own Jeremiah Montell, CAL TRX Director, featured in Austin Fitness Magazine! Check out the full article here!

We are proud to have received a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation to kick off our Boots in the Gym (BIG) program. The program is designed to address the physical and mental issues plaguing today’s veteran. We are reaching veterans nationwide with issues that include obesity, overabundance of medication, depression, isolation, as well […]

leo l.

US Marines

I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 16 and a half years, from 2002 to late 2018. During my service, I completed two deployments to Iraq (2006 and 2008) and held several roles, including Communication Technician, Drill Instructor, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, and Instructor at the schoolhouse. My years in the Corps were defined by discipline, leadership, and commitment, but life took a difficult turn after transitioning out.

By 2019, I was in a dark place. I was enrolled in an Intensive Outpatient Program for PTSD through the Wounded Warrior Project in Boston, Massachusetts. My physical and mental health had deteriorated. I weighed 230 pounds, was on 15 different medications, and struggled daily with depression, chronic pain, and suicidal thoughts. Alcohol had also become a destructive coping mechanism.

During treatment at Home Base, I met a fellow veteran wearing a Catch A Lift (CAL) shirt. I asked him about it, and what he told me sparked something in me. I was inspired by the idea of using fitness as a tool for recovery, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Being accepted into the CAL Wellness program began a new chapter in my life.

With the unwavering support of CAL, I started to rebuild—slowly, intentionally, and with purpose. Through physical training and accountability, I began to shed the weight, get off medication, and restore my mental clarity. I went from relying on a walker to a cane to finally walking and training independently. I also overcame alcoholism, using the same discipline I learned in the Corps and through CAL’s structure.

Since then, I’ve pushed myself beyond anything I thought was possible. In 2022 alone, I completed a Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman, and full Ironman triathlon—all in one year. I’ve completed seven marathons, swum the Naples Island 3-mile swim, crossed from Alcatraz Island in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and competed in ultra-endurance cycling events of up to 200 miles. On top of that, I’ve taken 2nd place in two Jiu Jitsu World League events.

CAL has been instrumental in my recovery. It didn’t just help me lose weight or build muscle—it helped me reclaim my identity, my pride, and my purpose. Today, I’m honored to give back by mentoring and supporting other veterans who are where I once was. My mission now is to help them see that a better life is possible and that transformation is within reach through programs
like CAL.

jeffrey k.

US Army

As a 100% disabled veteran with multiple tours to Afghanistan, life after service has been a long, difficult transition. The physical and mental toll of combat operations left me feeling isolated, disconnected, and at times without purpose. The structure and camaraderie of military life vanished almost overnight, replaced by chronic pain, limited mobility, and emotional wounds that ran deep. Fitness had once been a cornerstone of my military career, something I took pride in, but after my injuries, it became something I thought I had lost forever.

Then I found Catch A Lift. From the moment I connected with CAL, I felt seen not just as a veteran but as a whole person capable of growth, strength, and healing. The support I’ve received, whether through equipment, coaching, or community, has reignited my motivation and restored a sense of identity I thought was gone. CAL didn’t just give me tools to work out — they gave me back my reason to fight for myself again.

I built a fitness routine tailored to my abilities and goals thanks to CAL. This consistency has greatly improved both my physical and mental health. My strength is returning. My pain has become more manageable. More importantly, my confidence and mental clarity have grown immensely. I’m reminded every day that I am not broken — just forged in fire, and still capable of progress. CAL reminded me that my mission didn’t end with my deployment, it simply changed.

What stands out most about Catch A Lift is the community. Knowing I am not alone, that other veterans are walking a similar path and pushing forward with courage, gives me hope. Whether it’s the encouragement from my CAL coach or simply knowing I’m part of something bigger, this network has made a powerful difference in my recovery. The camaraderie I missed from my military days lives on here, and it continues to fuel my resilience.

CAL has become more than a program to me, it’s a lifeline. It’s a reminder that despite the battles I still fight, I’m never alone. They’ve helped me reclaim my health, rebuild my strength, and rediscover my purpose. I am deeply grateful for this organization and honored to be part of a community that truly lifts one another up. Thank you, CAL, for helping me stand tall again.

Terrence (Terry) M.

US Army

My name is Terrence McGhee. I’m a retired NYPD Detective First Grade, a U.S. Army veteran, and someone who has dedicated my life to serving others, whether in the military, on the streets of New York City, or in global counterterrorism efforts.

My path began in 1974 as an amateur boxer. I trained with intensity and purpose, winning titles in the Junior Olympics, Diamond Gloves, and Golden Gloves. By 1978, I was ranked #9 nationally and proudly represented the U.S. in international competitions.

1980 I enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and was stationed at Fort Bragg. I completed rigorous training—Jump School, Recondo, BNOC, Cold Weather Training in Alaska—and rose to the rank of Sergeant. The Army gave me discipline, but more importantly, it gave me the foundation of service and sacrifice that I carried with me into the NYPD.

I joined the NYPD in 1987 during one of the most violent eras in New York’s history. While assigned to the 32nd Precinct’s Anti-Crime Unit, I was shot in the stomach in 1990 during the arrest of four armed suspects. That experience taught me how quickly life can change and how resilient the human spirit can be.

After assignments in Robbery and Homicide, I was promoted to Detective First Grade and, in the aftermath of 9/11, joined the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Over 22 years with the JTTF, I worked in nearly 40 countries conducting criminal-terrorism investigations targeting senior Al Qaeda leadership. I was the lead investigator in the case against Sulayman Abu Ghayth—Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law—who was sentenced to life in prison following his conviction in 2014.

But in 2008, while on a deployment, I suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me permanently wheelchair-dependent. At age 48, everything changed. I could no longer rely on the same physical abilities that had carried me through a lifetime of service. It was a dark time, filled with uncertainty—not just about my career, but about how I could continue to live a full and purposeful life.

That’s when Catch A Lift Fund (CAL) entered my life.

CAL didn’t just give me access to a gym—it gave me back a part of myself. The physical training, structure, and mission reawakened my mindset as an athlete, soldier, and detective. Through CAL’s support, I’ve rebuilt strength and cardiovascular health and regained the mental and emotional confidence to live actively and independently. I’ve engaged more deeply with my community, working out regularly, and setting personal goals, like training to swim across a local body of water, something I never thought possible post-injury.

More than the physical gains, CAL gave my family hope. My grandchildren—who have only known me in a wheelchair—now see me not as limited, but as capable and driven. Because of CAL, they’ve understood the true meaning of resilience, service, and community. They’re learning that we honor those who serve not just with words, but with action, and that no one gets left behind.

In 2023, I retired after 36 years with the NYPD and over 120 commendations, including the NYPD Medal of Valor. But my mission hasn’t ended. I continue to live purposefully, and I owe much of that renewed strength to the Catch A Lift Fund.

CAL has been a lifeline—restoring my identity, renewing my drive, and reminding me that together, we stand strong.

Eric

US Army

I’m a Puerto Rican U.S. Army Veteran, mental health advocate, podcast host, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete. My journey is rooted in resilience, and I’ve dedicated my life to supporting others in the veteran and adaptive sports communities.

After losing a family member in the 9/11 attacks, I joined the Army in 2002 as a combat engineer and deployed to Iraq. My time overseas exposed me to repeated trauma and blast injuries that led to an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) and severe PTSD. Over time, I also experienced progressive vision loss and am now visually impaired.

After transitioning out of the military, I worked as a service officer and therapist to help other Veterans, but like many, I neglected my own healing. A second TBI from a car accident in 2020 brought on seizures, mobility issues, and worsening vision, leaving me in a deep depression. I lost my ability to drive, my independence, and for a while, my will to live.

But with the unwavering support of my wife and organizations like the Catch A Lift Foundation, I found my way back. CAL has been a cornerstone in my recovery. My very first Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition Gi — a Kingz Comp Gi — was purchased through my second grant from CAL, and I still wear it proudly. After my WeDefy grant ended, CAL covered almost all of my second year of training, with me only paying a small portion out of pocket.

One of my favorite CAL memories was attending a golf event in Connecticut — not just for the sport, but for the incredible community. The staff made it feel like we were one tight unit, and Coach Adam, whom I met there, still checks in on me and supports my jiu-jitsu journey. That type of follow-through is rare, and it speaks volumes about what CAL represents.

Today, I coach and train at Ralph Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Regis Calixto De Lima, who is my professor, friend, and mentor. I assist in the kids and teens program as a second-degree blue belt. I’m not chasing a dream of owning an academy — my true goal is to become the best practitioner I can be so I can help other adaptive athletes fall in love with jiu-jitsu the way I did. I want them to experience the emotional balance, mental clarity, and healing the mat provides.

I also host the Beyond Capable podcast, where I share the stories of individuals who’ve overcome incredible challenges. My mission is simple: to show that healing is possible, and that we’re never alone in our battles.

Jeremy A.

US Air Force

I guess the best way to start is with a quick background. I served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, deploying four times in support of Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. I’ve always been active—lifting weights, practicing martial arts, and playing sports. I spent 4 years as an EMT at a level 2 trauma center (Keesler AFB, MS) and 17 years as a Cardiopulmonary Therapist, working in respiratory therapy, cardiology, or pulmonary diagnostics.

During deployments, I served as a respiratory therapist in level 1 trauma centers at Balad AB (2006, 2007), Kirkuk (2003), or flying with the CCAT Team out of Ramstein AB, caring for critically wounded soldiers. Even downrange, working out helped manage stress. When weights weren’t enough, I turned to Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I earned a blue belt in BJJ and a second-degree black belt in Krav Maga, including Law Enforcement/Advanced Military Certifications.

After retiring, my health declined due to service-connected conditions. I’ve been 100% VA permanent and total disabled since March 2016. In August 2022, I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Surgery left me with permanent spinal accessory nerve damage; I couldn’t lift my arms above my waist until I saw a specialist. After recovery, I found a veteran resource spreadsheet and discovered Catch A Lift (CAL). I was nervous to start—my fitness had declined—but I needed accountability.

I began the 8-week assessment, mostly walking and doing calisthenics. The progress felt great, especially with the nutrition support from Don Wright—truly a godsend. I started with a gym membership at 949 Powerlifting in Lebanon, IL—an old-school place inside a brick library. It became my sanctuary. That was until June 2023, when heart issues began. By January 2024, I was hospitalized with fluid around my heart, later undergoing emergency surgery to remove my thickened pericardium. CAL supported me through it, even when I couldn’t meet the scholarship obligations. That meant a lot.

After cardiac rehab, once cleared to lift again, I reached back out to CAL. They welcomed me and rolled me into a second scholarship. This time, I chose home equipment—more practical with school starting and still dealing with chest pain from surgery.

I can’t thank the CAL team enough. Veterans aren’t always good at showing appreciation, but your program helped save my life—literally and metaphorically. My recoveries have been faster than most. Despite dealing with a hernia in 2025, I could squat 305 lbs for five reps just three days before surgery. I plan to keep proving doctors wrong. I’d rather be on the mats doing BJJ, training in my home gym (the Rogue Echo Bike is incredible—thank you, CAL!), and continuing my path as a civilian respiratory therapist.

Matt L.

US Army

My name is Matt Leyva. I was an Infantryman (11B) in the U.S. Army. I enlisted in 2010 out of Syracuse, NY—marking the start of an incredible journey.

I joined the military as an overweight kid and was broken down and rebuilt during basic training. My training wasn’t over, though. I was sent to my first duty station at Fort Riley, Kansas, where I joined my platoon and battalion, 2/34 Armor, part of the 1st ID. These men became my family.

We trained hard for a deployment to Iraq, only to have our orders change a month out—we were heading to Afghanistan instead. We adapted quickly and gave everything we had. I loved every second of deployment. I was finally doing the job I signed up for, and I found purpose. The scared kid who didn’t know his path finally had one.

Our platoon was untouched for the first six months while other units suffered. We stayed ready, knowing our time could come at any moment. Firefight after firefight, we pushed through.

Then came August 9, 2011—a day that changed everything. I was the “yes” man, always volunteering for missions. That morning, we went out to investigate a possible drug stash. Everything went smoothly until the return trip, when I triggered a massive IED hidden in a mud wall. I was thrown into the air. My squad reacted immediately. Our medic and squad leader rushed in to save me.

I was placed in a medical coma for a month and a half. I was stabilized in Germany—barely. A priest read me my last rites. Somehow, I made it through and was flown to the U.S. with just a 65% chance of survival. A doctor told my parents if I made it home, nothing could stop me.

The following 2–3 years were filled with surgeries and rehab. I sank into depression. I drank daily, mixing it with the meds I needed. I had no path, no purpose. I felt like it was all gone—until 2017, when I was introduced to Catch A Lift.

My brother-in-arms, Jason Smith, saw I was struggling and connected me with Lynn Coffland. She immediately invited me to a Warrior Weekend in Connecticut. There, I met other vets—some amputees like me—striving to better themselves. It lit a fire in me. I went from 300 lbs in a wheelchair with no legs to 150 lbs, driven by inspiration from CAL and its members.

I knew I had to give back. I became a Coach so other amputee veterans wouldn’t feel alone in that dark space. I wanted to help them find the motivation to move forward, on their own terms.

After a few years of Coaching, I knew I could do more. Lynn saw it too and brought me on as a full-time employee. I now help with IT support and manage CAL’s multimedia. This means everything, especially because I was once told I could never work again. Providing for my family is a gift, and I owe it to pushing through the darkness and following CAL’s mission.

The sky’s the limit. It’s up to each of us to push ourselves toward the life we want.

Day: July 17, 2017

Way to go, Jeremiah!

Bob Woodruff grant recipient

Day: July 17, 2017

Way to go, Jeremiah!

Bob Woodruff grant recipient

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