Page 12 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt Memorial Day, May 2022

12 May 27, 2022 www.aerotechnews.com
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Fitness challenge honors
Aerotech News
U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua J. Seybert
Tech. Sgt. Joseph Anthony, 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron aeromedical technician, performs a pull-up as part of “The Murph Challenge” at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, May 18, 2022. The Murph Challenge is a workout challenge honoring Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action, June 28, 2005.
by Jenna Bigham
Editor
While many will pay their respects at local ceremonies and veterans’ cemeteries this Memorial Day, others may honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service, with a fitness challenge named in honor of one of their own.
Service members and civilians from across the country and beyond have joined together for several years to complete “The Murph Challenge” as a tribute to U.S. Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy Seal killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2005 and others who have died in service.
Murphy was killed in combat when he exposed himself to enemy fire to radio air support for his team. In recognition of his sacrifice, he became the first member of the United States Navy to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
The challenge was a workout of the day or WOD for Murphy to prepare for the various challenges of war while serving, and now serves as a physical and mental challenge to those completing the workout in his honor.
The workout requires participants to complete a 1-mile run, then 100 pull-ups, followed by 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another 1-mile run, all while wearing body armor or a 20 lb. vest.
The challenge is not for the faint of heart, and participants are encouraged to train appropriately leading up to attempting the challenge.
Some installations have a day designated for those wishing to complete the challenge, and others are encouraged to complete it on Memorial Day, beginning at 7 a.m.
Today, the challenge also serves as a way to raise funds for the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Scholarship Foundation, with more information available at themurphchal- lenge.com.
Tech Sgt. Shelly Pavcik, 911th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural technician, performs a mile run as part of the Murph Challenge at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, May 18, 2022. The Murph Challenge is a workout challenge honoring Lt. Mi- chael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action, June 28, 2005; it is comprised of a mile run, 100 pushups, 200 situps, 300 squats and another mile run while wearing a 20-pound vest.
U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua J. Seybert
U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.
A 6th Ranger Training Battalion Soldier works to complete the 200-push- up regime during part of “The Murph Challenge” May 21 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The Sol- diers came together to participate in the intense workout to build camara- derie and honor Medal of Honor winner, Michael P. Murphy just before Me- morial Day.
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the American Legion, Buckeye Elks Lodge, Daughters of the American Revolution and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To learn about all the upcoming events in Buckeye, please visit buckeyeaz.gov/events litChfield Park
The City of Litchfield Park will be re- membering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces with a brief, yet memorable, Memo-
rial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 30th at 7:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place in front of the World War II Memorial on the west side of Litchfield Elementary School, 255 W Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
The program will be led by Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas L. Schoaf and will include the placing of floral tributes at the memorial, followed by a prayer and
moment of silence. Taps will be played in honor of the brave men and women who died while serving our country. Known surviving service members and fam- ily members of those listed on the WWII Monument will be invited to attend. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 30 minutes and is open to the public. Re- freshments will be served to attendees at the close of the ceremony.
Other highlights include a history of the cemetery and Service men and women interred since the Spanish American war, participation by the Naval Seal Cadets and patriotic music.
The event is a collaborative effort by the Buckeye Patriotic Committee, which includes members from the city of Buckeye,