Gym Spotlights Archives

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

We would like to recognize Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo, FL for raising $1000 for Catch A Lift Fund’s wounded veterans. Blessed Iron was established in 2010 as a small powerlifting gym and has grown into a 3600 square foot facility designed to help motivate and train the most serious athletes as well as general […]

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

Kevin S.

US Marines

I joined the Marine Corps in 2004 at 18. I spent two years in Kings Bay, Georgia, with the Marine Corps Security Force guarding nuclear weapons, then three years in the infantry as a rifleman (0311) with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Charlie Company, 3rd Platoon. In 2008, we deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Asada Wosa.

On our initial 7–10 day mission, we pushed out and never returned to base for 165 days. NATO rules didn’t quite fit how we operated, so instead of pulling back, we took ground, held it, reinforced it, and kept moving forward. For about six months, we alternated between removing enemy forces and trying to win over locals. It was intense, confusing, and constant. We had incredible 24 MEU support—Cobras, Hueys, F-35s, and some deadly accurate mortars—and we overcame engagement after engagement, no matter how heavy the fire.

After the Marines, I struggled to find my place. It’s hard to hit your peak before 25. Every avenue I tried seemed to end in failure. COVID forced me out of my last nine months of med school, and I suddenly went from almost being a doctor to being a stay-at-home dad—a huge ego hit. I kept lifting weights here and there, making small progress, but without direction.

In early 2024, I stumbled across Catch A Lift but saw it was full for the year. I set a reminder and forgot about it. Months later, in 2025, my phone buzzed with “Sign up for Catch A Lift.” I literally said, “What the hell is Catch A Lift?” Looked again, signed up, and it’s been a whirlwind since.

Now I feel like I’m working toward something again. I wake up with purpose. With Austin’s coaching, I placed second in a Masters (40+) strongman competition and was invited to the Masters National Championship in Las Vegas. More importantly, I hit a personal milestone I’d been chasing for a decade—deadlifting 600 lbs, up from about 530 when I started with CAL. I’d been stuck around 500 since 10 years ago, unable to add much weight.

Thanks to CAL and Austin, I’m now in the Rogue 1500 lbs Club and still progressing. I’ve gone from drifting to setting new goals I once thought impossible. There’s no way to truly capture how incredible it’s been working with CAL and Austin. I can’t wait to see where I’ll be by the end of this year and beyond.

Vince J.

US Army

I’m Vince, a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army. I enlisted for active service in 2003 as a Mechanic and was initially assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Hovey, South Korea where I trained to be a Wrecker Recovery Operator. During 2004 I deployed with the 1 st Battalion, 9th Infantry to Ar Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: my unit was attached to the 1 st Marine Expeditionary Force, and we conducted many operations while engaged in heavy combat throughout the region, including battles in both Ramadi and Fallujah. My unit suffered heavy losses in this tour, and I was also injured twice by indirect fire, which caused injuries I still deal with today. After Iraq, my unit relocated to Fort Carson, Colorado which is where I was first diagnosed with PTSD, due to observed mental health issues including drinking and fighting. Shortly after, I transferred into the Army Reserve where I continued my service, and in 2010 my reserve unit deployed to Kandahar Airfield (KAF), Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was after that deployment that I was sent to my first Army medical board due to the worsening status of my injuries from the first tour as well as my struggles with mental health. I dodged two consecutive medical boards to stay in the military, but by the third time I realized the Army maybe had other plans for me.. so I stopped fighting and was medically retired in 2018 after 15 years of service.

During my time in the military, I grew a deep love for fitness. I was not heavy into any athletics as a teen, but being in a combat unit with a bunch of meatheads had me routinely hitting the gym and running countless miles off post with my team. That routine continued when we went to combat, whether we were going to catch a lift after a long shift, or just to clear our heads after somehow making it through another day in the sandbox, when others had not. We didn’t know it at the time, but it was becoming our therapy; a way to deal with emotional pain by attacking it physically and chasing our demons with iron. When I first transferred home in the reserves, like many others I struggled with readjustment. I fought it with the usual stuff, drinking, drugs, and being reckless (adrenaline they say). I was spinning out of control because I was lost; however, I did keep up with the gym as it was the only thing that kept my head on somewhat straight.

It was after my second tour that I really began to struggle. Poor choices and bad habits had caught up with me and it caused my first marriage to completely fail. I lost my home, my family, my whole life was just falling apart all around me. I felt like no one could help me, and at one point I even tried to take my own life because I was so broken. It took for me to get to that point, the bottom of the pit, before I realized I needed to do something drastic because I didn’t really want to die. So, I decided to make some major changes: I cut out bad influences, moved into a new place, started eating healthy and exercising again, and put myself through an intense inpatient PTSD program at the VA. It was during this time that I first found out about the Catch-A-Lift program after stumbling across an advertisement about a group that would help me with my gym membership fees as a combat Veteran. I applied, and by 2015 I was officially a member.

I can’t stress enough how CAL helped save my life. The program was a bit different back then, but the love for us Veterans has always been there. The staff and Veteran members were so accepting of me and understanding to my issues, plus they were always available to talk, motivate, and share advice. Returning to a group of military fitness nuts who held each other accountable while also making sure we had the means to get in a gym, was everything. It was the olive branch that brought me back to sanity; by ensuring I had a way to get a lift in and continue fighting.. and I will never take that for granted. Thank you, Lynn and your team, for what you provide for us here, I am forever grateful.

Donald Z.

US Army

I joined the National Guard in 2000 as a Cannon Fire Direction Controller when I was in college because I knew I wanted to serve. After 9/11, I moved to active duty and served in the First Cavalry at Ft Hood. I deployed to Iraq in 2004-05, where I provided security escort for the Coalition Provisional Authority, followed by the U.S. Embassy. After returning home, I left Active Duty to serve in the National Guard until the end of 2008 as a 68W working for the Michigan State Medical Command.

I started with CAL in 2013 because I was out of shape and needed a change. When I left the Army, I was pretty fit, and for quite a while after, I spent time in the gym while in college and had that resource and stayed pretty healthy, but once some of my health issues and stress-related issues with PTSD caught up with me, I let fitness go and gained quite a bit of weight. A friend of mine who was involved in veterans services told me about CAL, and I reached out and got back into the gym and started getting myself back together again while I was working through my healing journey. I had been fairly successful in losing weight and getting healthy the first time. It was a significant part of realizing later that I needed a holistic approach to maintaining my well-being, which ultimately led me to the life I live now. I was pretty happy when CAL reached back out to me in 2022 about getting back into the program because I believe that staying active and fit, eating healthy, and getting proper sleep are just as important as therapy and meds to keeping your veteran’s health focused and steady. I will never take my body for granted again. I have kids, and I want to see them grow, and I don’t just want to be there for that, but I have to be a good example for them so they can live healthy lives and know what that looks like. I’m doing a pretty good job at that; my kids are active, my oldest daughter (14) did the shortest 20-mile distance (kids’ race) of the Marji Gesick this year on her own because she sees the example that I set and wants to follow it. I couldn’t have done this without support, and I’m grateful that CAL has been willing to support me for a while now.

The Marji Gesick 100-mile race was my main goal this year, but my bigger mission was to complete the 906 Adventure Team’s “Triple Crown”: the Marji Gesick, the Crusher, and the Polar Roll all in one season. That challenge was why I reached out to Catch A Lift at the end of last season. I had finished Marji’s 100k distance before, but knew my fitness and nutrition weren’t where they needed to be. CAL’s support, especially with performance nutrition and the encouragement of the CAL community, made a huge difference in keeping me focused and engaged.

The Marji Gesick is often called the hardest single-day bike race in America, even compared to the Barkley for a mountain biking event. Preparing for it meant training nearly 20 hours a week across road, gravel, and mountain biking, plus strength training. Race day brought unexpected challenges—unsupported riding and all-night rain—but thanks to the foundation I built, I finished the 109 miles in 22 hours. More importantly, I completed the Triple Crown: the Marji Gesick, the 205-mile Crusher gravel race, and the 30-mile Polar Roll fat bike race, all in one year.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without CAL’s resources, coaching connections, and the motivation that comes from being part of such a dedicated community. I’m incredibly grateful to CAL for helping me chase these goals and for standing behind me in this journey. Looking ahead, I’m excited to push further—next season I’m considering the Marji Gesick Duathlon, a 109-mile bike-and-run event with only a 37% finish rate this year.

For me, it’s not just about finishing races; it’s about discovering what’s possible, facing the hard things head-on, and never being afraid to work for something bigger. CAL has given me the tools and the belief to do just that.

Isreal (Izzy) A.

US Marines

I grew up in Pleasantville, New Jersey, and became a father at just 17 years old. With the responsibility of raising my son and the need to provide, I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009. After graduating from boot camp at Paris Island, I became a Combat Engineer and deployed to Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. On my very first mission in June 2010, my vehicle struck an IED. I was knocked unconscious and suffered multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and was awarded the Purple Heart. That moment sparked a determination in me to never feel that kind of weakness again.

From then on, fitness became more than just training—it became survival. I dedicated every spare moment to the gym, building strength and resilience through deployments with 2/5 Marines and later with MWSS-273, where I trained alongside Tongan Marines and even competed in rugby matches during downtime. The discipline and mental toughness I gained in the Marines forged the foundation of my journey. By the time I left active duty in 2013, my mission was no longer just about combat readiness, but about recovery, rebuilding, and inspiring others through fitness.

That path led me to powerlifting, where years of discipline and perseverance transformed me from struggling with 225 lbs on bench press to breaking Florida state records in both bench and deadlift by 2025. With the support of organizations like Catch A Lift Fund and the brotherhood of fellow Purple Heart recipients, I’ve learned that true strength comes from struggle and sacrifice. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.

The Catch A Lift Fund has been life-changing for me. They have made a tremendous impact not only on my journey but on the lives of countless veterans, especially those of us wounded in combat. They provide knowledge and guidance in the areas that matter most—mental health, nutrition, fitness, and moral support. Most importantly, they remind us that we are not alone.

Through the program, I was connected with Coach Owen, a Purple Heart recipient like myself. Beyond fitness, we bonded over family, military experiences, and plenty of laughs. He not only built me a personal program but also gave me something even more valuable—a lasting friendship.

After completing my 8-week wellness program, Coach Owen continued to support me during my powerlifting competition. With the help of a grant from the Catch A Lift Fund, I was able to build my own garage gym. This was a game-changer, because there are days when I don’t want to be around others in a gym environment. Having that space gave me the consistency and strength I needed, and ultimately, it led me to winning my competition.

I am truly grateful to the Catch A Lift Fund for changing my life in ways I never imagined.

Rodney B.

US Navy

I am a U.S. Navy SEAL veteran with 17 years of service. I served as a Naval Special Warfare Operator First Class and completed multiple deployments to the Middle East, including over two years of combat experience in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2008. During my service, I was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor and the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor. I am also a post-9/11 disabled combat veteran. Like many veterans, transitioning out of service meant losing the structure, accountability, and sense of mission that had defined much of my adult life

I chose to become a Catch A Lift member because I recognized that I was functioning — but not truly thriving. I still had discipline and drive, but without a framework, these qualities weren’t being applied consistently. CAL stood out because it wasn’t charity or rescue; it was a partnership that restored structure while respecting personal responsibility.

Since joining Catch A Lift in September 2025, my mind, body, and overall well-being have changed in a meaningful and lasting way. CAL provided a framework that mirrors what many veterans respond to best: clear expectations, accountability, and support without dependency. Fitness was the entry point, but structure was the real intervention.

Physically, CAL helped me reestablish consistency. Training became non-negotiable again — not out of pressure, but out of purpose. Mentally, the restoration of routine reduced stress, sharpened focus, and brought clarity back into my daily life. Instead of reacting to circumstances, I began leading myself again.

Spiritually and emotionally, CAL helped me reconnect with identity and forward momentum. There is something powerful about being trusted with responsibility instead of being managed or labeled. CAL restores dignity by creating conditions where veterans rebuild themselves rather than being fixed by others.

What stands out most about Catch A Lift is that it understands veterans don’t need to be saved — they need structure, belief, and a standard worth rising to. CAL doesn’t rescue. It rebuilds. And in doing so, it quietly changes lives, one veteran at a time.

I am deeply grateful that CAL accepted me into the program when it did. The impact has extended far beyond fitness — into how I think, how I show up, and how I move forward as a man, a father, and a veteran. If my experience helps another veteran take the first step back toward himself, then sharing it is well worth it.

Andy S.

US Army

My name is Andy, and I proudly served in the U.S. Army from January 2005 to November 2010. I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and served with the 4th Infantry Division, 1/8 Infantry Battalion. I completed two combat tours in Iraq as a Sniper, serving in Balad and Mosul. During my second tour, I was promoted to Sergeant, but I was medically discharged after returning home with Post-Traumatic Stress and a Traumatic Brain Injury.

My transition out of the military was extremely difficult. Within my first year out, I was divorced and struggling with addiction to opiates, benzodiazepines, alcohol, and cocaine. I was prescribed extremely high doses of pain medication and Xanax each month, frequently ran out early, and after several years, was removed from prescriptions due to failed drug tests. That led me to buy pills on the street, which eventually turned into heroin use.

I was in a very dark place—looking for any way to recreate the high of combat or simply shut my mind off. My relationships with family and lifelong friends deteriorated, and I felt disconnected from everyone. I became angry, isolated, and unable to handle social situations the way I once had. Combat had changed me, and I didn’t know how to deal with it. That led to deeper isolation and worsening addiction.

Everything changed on July 9, 2019, when my dad took me to the Milwaukee VA. I entered detox and never looked back. Catch A Lift was there for me the moment I was ready to turn my life around—literally the day after detox, I was back in the gym thanks to CAL.

I’m proud to say I will celebrate 7 years clean in July 2026. During that time, I’ve regained control of my life and started my own landscaping business, Military Grade Yard Service LLC. Catch A Lift has helped me grow not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally—helping me mature, readjust to society, and become an active, positive member of my community.

Being part of Catch A Lift for the past seven years has helped me find strength, purpose, and discipline. Stress no longer derails me—it makes me stronger. I’m proud to be a positive influence and an example of what a combat veteran is and can be.

GO ARMY
Keep it real

AMANDA D.

US Army

My name is Amanda Dove, and I am a former SSG who served in the United States Army as a combat medic for seven years and deployed to Iraq for 15 months. I had the honor of saving the lives of more than 200 traumatically injured soldiers during combat operations, but I could not save 36 men and women who sacrificed their lives. Upon returning Stateside, I struggled with survivor’s guilt, untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and undiagnosed Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), along with physical injuries. In the depths of my pain, I felt broken and alone. At my lowest, I had even lost the will to live.

Catch A Lift has made an incredible difference in connecting me with the tools to retrain and rebuild my life. CAL helped me discover my will to live again and to overcome the odds. I am a warrior – something I’d forgotten, but CAL helped me remember. The program re-trained me to remain accountable and remember that my Battles depend on me to show up every day. I have an amazing Coach, and SugarWOD helps me stay connected with like-minded individuals who are working to improve themselves and get their lives back on track. I have utilized every resource from CAL to include the in-home gym equipment grants, which have allowed me to reconnect with my two teenage sons in a meaningful way. I also benefited from the Better Help voucher – a resource for therapy that I continue to take advantage of today. I’ve enjoyed being an Ambassador for CAL as well.

I think so many of us veterans out there are isolated and hurting, thinking that we can’t win this fight, and we have to walk it alone. I know what it’s like to be shattered into a million broken pieces, and I know we also have what it takes to mend ourselves and pick ourselves back up when we get knocked down by life. CAL is a place where I belong, and so do you, scars and all. It doesn’t matter if we’re missing body parts; we have the heart of a Warrior, and as a team, we will get through life together, just like we did downrange. Thank you, Catch A Lift, and those who donate generously to our program. Lives are being saved, and you each help make a difference. Same team, same fight. We cross the finish line together, and we leave no one behind. It’s what we do. We’ve trained for this, and we will overcome together!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Category: Gym Spotlights

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

Blessed Iron Fitness in Largo FL is “Raising the Bar for Veterans”

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