The Catch A Lift Fund being named the 2017 William Donald Schaefer Award recipient for Baltimore County! Comptroller Peter Franchot was moved when he heard about the services our organization provides to enable our nation’s veterans to recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally. The William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award was created to honor the legacy […]
Zachary S.
US Marines
I joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school in 2007. Funny enough, I picked the Corps because I liked working out. After being stationed in Washington for two years, I transitioned to Camp Lejeune, NC, with 2/9 Fox CO. In July 2010, we deployed to Marjah, Afghanistan. On Nov 9, 2010, while leading my squad on a Battle Damage Assessment, I stepped on a pressure plate IED, resulting in the amputation of both legs above the knee, some amputated fingers, and multiple internal injuries. After a lot of surgeries (I always just say 35+) and a lot of recovery I eventually was medically retired from the Marine Corps in Nov 2012.
While I was at the hospital, I struggled with major weight gain (220ish lbs without legs). Since running was no longer an option, I had to find new ways to stay active. I have been a gym rat since I was 15, so I quickly adapted to making things work with weight lifting. As far as cardio, I quickly found the sport of handcycling. I had never been a cyclist, but it’s something I really enjoyed doing.
Fast-forward to now, and I am still a gym rat. I compete all over the world in handcycling. I am currently on the Team USA Paracycling roster and will be until January 2026. Being part of Catch a Lift these past two years has been amazing! They’ve helped me with grants for my coaching, easing some of that financial burden. I’ve joined a community of like-minded individuals, so on top of being military, we’re also very focused on health and wellness. I’m very appreciative to be part of CAL and grateful for all they’ve done for me.
Shelly S.
US Marines
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002, beginning with FAST (Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team), deploying to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Guantanamo Bay in support of Operation Southern Watch. I later joined the 26th MEU for Operation Enduring Freedom, deploying to Afghanistan after 9/11 with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division.
After leaving the service, I struggled with depression, weight gain, and medication. At my lowest point, I weighed 246 lbs and had little motivation. Several Marines I served with died by suicide, and I felt lost—until I found Catch A Lift (CAL).
I met a fellow veteran who shared his experience with CAL and encouraged me to apply. I did, and it changed my life. I’m now 175 lbs, off all medication, and healthier than ever. My VA doctor was so impressed, she told me I no longer need regular visits. I feel confident, motivated, and proud of my progress.
My CAL coach has been instrumental. He’s direct, supportive, and holds me accountable. His consistency and encouragement helped me push through hard days and stay focused.
CAL didn’t just help me—it inspired my wife, mom, and sister to start their own fitness journeys. My mom recently told me she’s wearing clothes she hasn’t fit into in years. CAL gave me purpose, goals, and ultimately, saved my life.
Rhoda B.
US Air Force
For 24 and a half years, I proudly served my country—first as an active-duty Airman, then in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Half of my career was with the RED HORSE Squadron, a brotherhood built on grit, resilience, and loyalty. I deployed twice, traveled the world, and gave everything I had to the mission.
But my service also came with unseen battles. I endured military sexual trauma at a time when there was no support, no SAPR program—only silence. That pain led me down a dark path, including three suicide attempts and a desperate search for safety that led to an unhealthy marriage. My deployment to Afghanistan only deepened the scars.
Eventually, PTSD, depression, and severe anxiety forced me into medical retirement. I felt lost, stripped of identity, purpose, and hope without my uniform.
Everything changed when I found the Air Force Wounded Warrior program and, later, Catch A Lift. Adaptive sports pulled me out of the darkness. Through Catch A Lift, Coach Austin helped me rediscover my strength, purpose, and will to fight—not just for survival but to thrive.
Since then, I’ve broken marathon records, competed as an Ultimate Champion, completed a Sprint ParaTriathlon, and shattered four state powerlifting records—with more to come. I’m now a certified coach, committed to helping other warriors reclaim their lives.
Catch A Lift didn’t just restore my body—it reignited my spirit. I am proof that there is life after trauma, strength after struggle, and purpose beyond the uniform. I still serve—this time, by lifting others.
Ray N.
US Army
Joining Catch A Lift Fund has been a transformative experience for me. Since becoming a member, I’ve lost 11 pounds and regained a sense of purpose that I thought was lost. After 9/11, I joined the Army and served two tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. The cost of war was heavy, I lost 8 brothers in combat and, heartbreakingly, 18 more to suicide after we came home. For years, I struggled to find meaning and direction. Catch A Lift Fund has helped me reconnect with my drive and given me the tools to live life to the fullest.
The program has renewed a deeper purpose in my life and my future. I only recently completed the 8-week Wellness Program, but thanks to the resources and tools provided to me, I am looking forward to my future. I am now focused on working out and taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Thanks to Catch A Lift, I am stronger, healthier, and more determined than ever to honor those we lost by living my best life every day.
Paul G.
US Army
I’m Paul, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran living in Virginia. I was diagnosed with Primary
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) in my late 30s. These days, I use a wheelchair for mobility, but I stay active through adaptive fitness. I’m a proud father of three and passionate about cycling, photography, and helping fellow veterans find purpose after service. With the support of Catch A Lift Fund, I’ve reclaimed my health and drive—one workout and one mile at a time.
When I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, I felt like my world started closing in. I had gone from leading soldiers to struggling with mobility, balance, and even daily tasks. The physical changes were tough, but the emotional weight of losing my sense of purpose hit even harder. That’s when Catch A Lift Fund stepped in. CAL didn’t just offer encouragement; they offered a path forward.
They connected me with coaches who knew how to adapt training to my reality—without focusing on my limitations. With their support, I began recumbent cycling and found a way to push my body and clear my mind. Today, I’m training to ride the TransAmerica Bike Trail. CAL helped me shift from focusing on what I lost to
discovering what I’m still capable of. They reminded me that the mission isn’t over—and I still have a lot of fight left in me.
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.
John R.
US Army
I proudly served 21 years in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant First Class, with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. On November 9, 2004, I was wounded by three rounds of mortar, resulting in a hip injury that still affects me to this day. For my injuries, I received the Purple Heart.
Even with chronic pain and post-surgery knee issues, fitness has remained a major part of my life. I’ve always believed that physical activity doesn’t just strengthen the body—it helps tame the invisible wounds of war. It doesn’t cure PTSD, but it definitely helps keep the beast at bay.
In February 2025, I joined CAL (Catch A Lift) with a personal goal: to summit Pikes Peak 18 times this year. It’s a monumental challenge, especially considering my hip and knee limitations, but I’m on track—and I’ve never felt more focused.
With the support of my CAL coach, I’ve gained tremendous insight into pain-free movement. I followed every bit of guidance, and now I’ve built a routine that keeps me mobile, agile, and consistently active. I do weekly ruck marches and continue pushing my limits while listening to my body.
I’m also a state coordinator for Team RWB (Red, White & Blue), a nonprofit dedicated to
enriching America’s veterans’ lives through physical and social activity. I’ve proudly shared CAL’s mission with members in my network because I know how deeply this program can change lives.
The CAL gym equipment has been a game changer. As someone who works from home with a hectic schedule, having access to high-quality gear in my garage makes it easier to stay committed and consistent. No commute. No excuses.
To any Veteran struggling physically or mentally, I highly recommend CAL. The motivational messages and support from coaches via text and email make a world of difference. They’re always ready to guide, support, and remind you that you’re not alone, and you’ve still got more to give.
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 Trinidad Pérez
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.
alan t.
US Army
After serving as a HIMARS artilleryman in support of OIR in Syria, I came home and struggled a lot with the transition out of the military. I gained weight, became inactive, and felt like I had lost my sense of direction. Eventually, I decided enough was enough and committed to getting back to the level of fitness and discipline I had in the Army. I started by practicing yoga and meditation, which opened up a new path for me.
Over time, I got back in shape, became a certified yoga teacher, and, in 2022, started O.M. Yoga & Training. This mobile yoga and meditation instruction business has since served hundreds of clients across the Tampa Bay area. During my second year in business, I began dealing with injuries, especially tendonitis from lifting and practicing yoga. Around that time, I connected with CAL.
CAL played a significant role in helping me stay focused on my goals. The structure,
accountability, and community support helped me stick to my routine and work through injuries that doctors and therapists hadn’t been able to resolve. With that support, I could get back to doing what I love.
Today, I’m an ambassador for CAL and have recently been accepted into graduate school at the University of South Florida to become a licensed social worker. My goal is to support others who have walked similar paths by integrating ancient mindfulness practices with evidence-based therapy, and show that taking action and reclaiming personal power can create lasting,
meaningful change.
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.
sarah r.
US Marines
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 17, driven by a lifelong commitment to serve. My military career was cut short following severe injuries sustained during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. I was both a first and last responder that day, re-injuring an ankle that had just healed from a prior incident. Years of reconstructive surgeries followed, culminating in the amputation of my leg in 2014.
After my son was born, I faced a difficult period—gaining over 100 pounds, battling depression, and struggling to find purpose after the abrupt end of my military career. I felt lost, unsure of what path to follow after the one I had trained and dreamed for was no longer possible.
Everything began to change when I came across a photo of Army veteran Ryan Major wearing a Catch A Lift Fund (CAL) shirt, racing in a wheelchair despite missing both legs and multiple fingers. His resilience struck a chord. I realized I had no excuse not to take control of my life. I reached out to CAL, and they provided me with my first pieces of adaptive gym equipment. That support became the foundation of a complete life transformation.
With hard work and renewed purpose, I lost all the excess weight, drastically reduced my dependence on medications, and found healing—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Most importantly, I found a new mission: giving back to fellow veterans who had sacrificed mind and body in service.
Through years of training and dedication, I became a three-time CrossFit WheelWOD Games Fittest Female Amputee in the world by the age of 39. My journey with CAL didn’t just save my life—it empowered me to help save others by showing what’s possible, no matter the obstacles.
Age is just a number—and so are our days. It’s what we choose to do with them that defines our impact.
mark k.
US Army
CAL has been one of the most important tools in my toolbox—helping me battle depression, manage anxiety, and feel human again. This photo represents the incredible impact Catch A Lift Fund has had on my life. When I joined over three years ago, I weighed 300 pounds and was facing overwhelming physical and emotional challenges. I was stuck, unsure of how to move forward.
Through CAL’s guidance—especially the nutritional coaching, structured support, and
encouragement from the team—I began to take control of my health, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover my self-worth. CAL didn’t just help me improve physically; they helped me heal mentally and emotionally.
The Catch A Lift Fund motivated me to pursue my Certified Personal Trainer certification so I could not only continue pushing forward on my own journey but also help others do the same. I cannot thank CAL enough – I found this program when I felt all was lost. My transformation has been truly life-changing, and I’m forever grateful for the role CAL has played in it.
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.
jason w.
US Army
In 2023, I hit a turning point. Years after serving as a Combat Medic in the U.S.
Army—deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea—I faced battles I never expected. Exposure to burn pits overseas left me fighting sarcoidosis and asthma, attacking my lungs every day. I was also living with PTSD, insomnia, and the daily challenge of staying sober. But I made a choice that year to fight for myself. That’s when I found Catch A Lift.
I began the program in 2023 with one goal: to lose weight and take back control of my life. I believed fitness could train not just my body, but my heart and my mind too. I committed to the journey, and it worked.
Every workout became a win against the pain, the trauma, and the scars—both visible and invisible. Even while undergoing chemotherapy for sarcoidosis, I kept pushing forward. Fitness became my therapy. I fell in love with running and CrossFit. These weren’t just activities—they were lifelines. They reminded me who I was before the darkness set in, and showed me who I could still become.
In March 2025, I crossed the finish line of the Rabid Raccoon Race—another huge milestone on this journey. And I’m not done yet. I’ve got my sights set on competing in another 100-mile race. With every step, I carry the strength of those still fighting and the memory of those we lost.
This July marks two years of sobriety. That alone is a milestone I never thought I’d reach. But I’ve learned something powerful: even when there’s no hope in sight, you just have to keep going. Something- or someone—is out there that will change your life. For me, that was Catch A Lift.
Catch A Lift gave me a mission again—a reason to get up, train, and believe. It gave me a second chance. I want to say to any veteran struggling: Just win the day. You don’t have to win the war all at once. Just today. Then tomorrow. Then the next. Keep showing up—even when it hurts or is hard, because you’re worth it.
carl r.
US Army
I joined the Army Infantry at 27 and quickly excelled through intense training. I deployed to Iraq as a sniper during the 2005–2006 surge when Ramadi and Fallujah were lost. Stop-loss extended my deployment. Returning home, I struggled to find civilian work, so I re-enlisted—but this time as a combat medic. I gave up my E6 rank to start over as an E1, eventually earning back my E6 status.
After finishing medic training at Fort Sam, I was sent to the 101st at Fort Campbell and
deployed again for 18 months to Iraq. During my tours, I survived being shot, stabbed, eight IED attacks, and multiple injuries. After returning home, I suffered 14 heart attacks in a year—one so severe I was declared dead. I was medically retired when my injuries caught up with me: spinal fractures, hip replacement, and ultimately wheelchair-bound by 2011.
In November 2024, I stood from my wheelchair for the first time in 14 years. As luck would have it, I was soon in a severe car accident—my vehicle flipped four times. I broke vertebrae across my entire spine and was paralyzed again due to swelling.
But I refused to give up. The Catch A Lift Fund was recommended, and in March of 2025, I became a Member. This program has changed my life. My Coach’s positivity and support were key. Now I walk over an hour nonstop, chop firewood, and do yard work. I co-lead a veterans’ Bible study and mentor others through Veterans Court. I’ve found a new purpose in helping fellow vets.
I even donated 5 acres of my 90-acre property near Lake of the Ozarks to a fellow Purple Heart recipient facing homelessness. They’ve become family. Life is good—and I’m living proof that with the right help and mindset, anything is possible.
