Meet Cyndee Wemer

Cyndee has been a pillar to our organization with an astounding 25+ event attendance; whether it be selling merchandise at our tent or actively participating in the race/ruck. Cyndee retired from the Navy in 2009 and continues to serve in the naval community to this day. She was gracious enough to break from her busy day to answer these questions for us:

What is your occupation? I am a Program Analyst for the Naval Acquisition Career Center.

How long have you been an OCA and how did you get involved? I volunteered to be support for the OEW information booth at the USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run in April of 2016. After meeting quite a few OCAs and MAT members for the first time, I was hooked. They were all extremely welcoming, supportive, passionate, and inspirational beyond belief! Afterwards, I signed up to actually run with the OEW team at the Rugged Maniac event in May 2016 (muddiest course EVER!).

Most memorable moment? The Portland Spartan Sprint on August 19, 2017 with honorees Jourdan Smith and Kevin Pannell. Just as our group was going through the dunk wall to cross the finish line, the Hurricane Heat cadre had all the HH attendees come over to cheer us on as we crossed the finish line, while continually screaming the Army Warrior Ethos: I will always place the mission first! I will never accept defeat! I will never quit! I will never leave a fallen comrade!

What’s the next event you’re planning to do with OEW? I may possibly go as support for the OEW Tri State Spartan in New Jersey at the beginning of November.

Why should people become OCAs for OEW? I encourage others to join because not only can you support an absolutely meaningful & wonderful organization, you also get to meet people who were once strangers and are now considered family. It's hard to describe the feeling you have when you accomplish a mission with the team; so just sign up for an actual event to experience what can't really be explained through words!

We can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support, Cyndee! Thank you for being a part of our family!

2019 Bike Tour (Kentucky)

Check out Matthew Bradford and his hard work on the bike tour!

https://youtu.be/NNND4eHDrwE

Behind the Mask: Fortitude

Q: What does your call sign mean to you? A:   My call sign has a very personal meaning. I have fibromyalgia and before it was managed with medication I felt like I had lost myself, I was terrified of losing my job and I was medically discharged from the Army. I eventually found the courage and strength to gain control of my life. My call sign to me means, all it takes sometimes is the courage to take that first step forward to change your life.

Q: What branch of the military did you serve in (or are currently serving in), for how long, and what was your job? A: I was in the Army Reserves for 5 years as a Combat Medic and am currently a Police Officer.

Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory? A: My best memory comes from my first race. Myself and another MAT member where helping our AA's son who was with us. Watching that family heal and bond was one of the most powerful moments I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

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Q: What is the best thing about being a MAT? A: I would say the best part about being a MAT is giving back to our country's heroes who have given so much.

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Q: What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a MAT? A: Know your why, know your exact reason why you would like to be a MAT.

Q: What would you like people to know about OEW? A: OEW is the only organization I have ever been involved in where right from the start my family and I were treated like we had known everyone all of our lives.

Q: Why did you commit to the Masked Athlete program?

A: Because somewhere there is a service member or police officer who has suffered a great tragedy and they are convinced that their life is over. I was there once myself and I want to motivate them to find themselves.

Q: Motto or principle you live by. A: A positive mental attitude can mean the difference between success or failure.

Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT? A: I have never been very good at running but strength has always come easy. I spend most of my time running in an elevation mask to keep myself ready for an event.

Check out our OEW Spotify channel! Each Call Sign will share their own playlists of music that gets them pumped for action or helps them chill during their workday. Follow our channel and receive updates whenever new playlists are posted!

Follow Fortitude's playlist here.

Don't have Spotify? Click here to download now and enjoy FREE music on your mobile device or desktop.

About INDOC: The application process to apply for the Masked Athlete Team, Warrior INDOC, is now an open enrollment. Pre-requisite is to have military or LEO experience with honorable discharge. E-mail: indoc@enduringwarrior.org for submission details.