ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV) – Supporters are being invited to come out Saturday to cheer on athletes taking part in a 24-hour fitness challenge to raise funds for HOOAH Wisconsin.
The nonprofit helps veterans and active-duty military members with mental health issues that arose or were exacerbated during their service.
The event was organized by Tad Taggart, a nutritionist and personal trainer at Western Racquet and Fitness Club.
“I was reading books specifically by Navy SEAL Eric Greitens,” Taggart told Local 5 News. “I was reading his account of his ‘Week in Hell’ and I wondered what I could endure. I put together an idea for a 24-hour challenge to myself and when I told people about it, they were interested.”
The fitness challenge begins on Friday, July 19th at 4pm and ends around the same time on Saturday.
About a dozen athletes are taking part in the entire challenge, with others taking part in two- or three-hour increments.
Staff Sergeant Crystal Morgan White, who served in the Army Reserves for more than 20 years, including two years in Iraq, brought her family along for emotional support.
“I’m super excited! I’m a little tired. I just finished my first event. But I’m excited for the next 22 hours.”
Taggart also budgets time for breaks and snacks.
Civilians have joined in the challenge, including Western Racquet’s facilities manager, who took an ice bath — the 10K race around Lambeau Field starts at about 2 a.m. — but he’s heartened by the support he’s seen.
“We had volunteers at the club asking if we needed to set up a water station,” King said, “and I said that would be great.”
