11th annual 'Murph4Miller' fitness fundraiser to benefit shelter for homeless veterans
Over Memorial Day weekend, the 11th annual "Murph4Miller" fundraiser will be held at CrossFit Tri-Cities in St. Charles to benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.
The event, which features a strenuous fitness workout, commemorates the life of U.S. Army SSG Robert J. Miller, Medal of Honor recipient, who selflessly sacrificed his life in Afghanistan in 2008, saving the lives of 22 other soldiers.
It starts with a one-mile run, followed by 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, and ends with another one-mile run. Participants can modify the workout as needed, depending on individual fitness levels.
"About this time last year, I stopped by Wheaton North High School for a track meet," said Jack Erwin, event co-organizer and a shelter board member. "As usual, I took a moment to visit the memorial there for Robert J. Miller, Nick Larson, and Samuel T. Watts. Each of these young men's lives crossed paths with mine, and each made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"In the military community, actions often speak louder than words. So, one way to make a lasting impact is to give a gift that keeps on giving, by paying it forward," Erwin said. "That's how people can honor the memory of the fallen. "
The family-friendly event, which features food, water, and music, runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at CrossFit Tri-Cities, 1501 Indiana Ave. in St. Charles.
There will be a special "Hero Hour" at noon, with military, veterans, and first responders completing the "Murph4Miller" in uniform. Everyone is welcome to stop by and cheer on the participants.
Athletes interested in participating in the "Murph4Miller" can register at tricitiescrossfit.sites.zenplanner.com/calendar.cfm, call (630) 492-0029, or email info@tricitiescrossfit.com for more information.
There is a registration fee of $50. Members of Team Red, White, and Blue (www.teamrwb.org), and other veteran organizations are welcome to attend. Non-participants also can make donations directly to the Midwest Shelter by visiting www.helpaveteran.org/donate, by calling (630) 871-VETS (8387), or by sending a donation to MSHV, 433 S. Carlton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, and mentioning "Murph4Miller" in the memo section.
The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans is a nonprofit agency based in DuPage County, Illinois that provides housing, supportive services and community outreach to help homeless and at-risk veterans and their families achieve self-sufficiency.
The Miller Home, named in honor of SSG Robert J. Miller, provides affordable housing to veterans, along with Tammy's Trace, for single male and female veterans. The Larson Home has an 80 percent success rate, and has been cited as a model transitional housing program by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the VA Medical Center at Hines Hospital. Founded by veterans in 2007, the Midwest Shelter operates on a vision of no veteran left behind due to homelessness, joblessness, poverty and/or mental-health issues.