TAMPA, Fla. -- Patrick Griffith spent five years in the United States Army. He’s been through missions in Afghanistan and Africa.
However, on this Veterans Day, his mission is bringing vets and the public together.
“Getting a handshake and a thank you is good, but I want somebody to know who I am, who Patrick is as a person. Yes, I am a veteran but I’m more than that as well,” said Griffith.
Six years ago, the nonprofit veteran organization, Team Red White and Blue, began the event WOD for Warriors, where members of the public and veterans work out together.
“Working out together breaks down a ton of barriers, when you are sweating with someone, going through something physical, hard or challenging, you start to connect on a deeper level,” said Griffith.
Monday’s training session will be held on the women’s volleyball court inside the Yuengling Center. Seventeen-year army vet Benjamin Bunn will be leading the way when it comes to fitness.
“It really brings you closer to individuals, it’s a little bit of shared suffering to the person to the right or left of you, and for those who have been in the military, absolutely it reminds them of their service,” said Bunn.
WOD for Warriors runs from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bunn said you don’t have to be athletic to take part and the event is free.
“What you really want to do is be able to participate in a conversation and get to know that individual because at the end of the day social connection is the most important part of this entire process,” said Bunn.
