05/25/14: Memorial Day Murph

Congrats to Leor and Amanda who got married on Sunday.  We hope you two had a great wedding!

Today’s workout is In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

LT. Michael P. Murphy (SEAL) was the officer-in-charge of a four-man SEAL element in support of Operation Red Wings, tasked with finding a key anti-coalition militia commander near Asadabad, Afghanistan. Shortly after inserting into the objective area, the SEALs were spotted by three goat herders who were initially detained and then released. It is believed the goat herders immediately reported the SEALs’ presence to Taliban fighters.

A fierce gun battle ensued on the steep face of the mountain between the SEALs and a much larger enemy force. Despite the intensity of the firefight and suffering grave gunshot wounds himself, Murphy is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his teammates. Murphy, intent on making contact with headquarters, but realizing this would be impossible in the extreme terrain where they were fighting, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own life moved into the open, where he could gain a better position to transmit a call to get help for his men.

Moving away from the protective mountain rocks, he knowingly exposed himself to increased enemy gunfire. This deliberate and heroic act deprived him of cover and made him a target for the enemy. While continuing to be fired upon, Murphy made contact with the SOF Quick Reaction Force at Bagram Air Base and requested assistance. He calmly provided his unit’s location and the size of the enemy force while requesting immediate support for his team. At one point, he was shot in the back causing him to drop the transmitter. Murphy picked it back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy who was closing in. Severely wounded, LT. Murphy returned to his cover position with his men and continued the battle.

LT. Murphy fought on, allowing one member of his team (Marcus Luttrell) to escape, before he was killed. For his selfless actions, LT. Michael Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 27, 2007. We honor his sacrifice and memory though today’s workout.

Today’s Workout –  For Time – (Sx = Team of 3, Rx = Team of 2, CRx = Solo Mission). If completing in a team, all members must complete the mile run to start and to finish. You can have all team members working at once, but only one person per exercise. You can break up the Pull Ups, Push Ups, and Air Squats however you like.  If you are unable to find a team, simply cut the reps in half or more based on your current capacity.  This workout should be a challenge and seem daunting, but please be safe. Know your body and what you are capable of doing today.  Happy Memorial Day.

• 1 Mile Run
• 100 Pull Ups
• 200 Push Ups
• 300 Air Squats
• 1 Mile Run