Meet Joe Cerna

Joe came out to the Jacksonville and Boca Raton Spartan races. He became fast friends with Monty Montgomery, a 92-year old WWII veteran who joined the OEW group along the way. Joe was gracious enough to answer these questions for you all:

What is your occupation? I’m a self-employed tattoo artist and have been tattooing for about 10 years. I have a shop in Miami: Exception Ink.

How long have you been an OCA and how did you get involved? I was introduced by Jonathan Lopez, one of OEW’s team members. He invited me to run a Spartan race at the beginning of 2018. Although I was hesitant, Johnny can be very persuasive. I basically “got Lopez’d” and quickly found out the meaning of that phrase.

Most memorable moment? My most memorable moment would be the weekend of April 27, 2019. It's the first event where my youngest son ran the kids race - and fell in love with the sport. It’s also when I met Monty, a 92-year old WWII veteran who can run circles around me. Running, walking and jogging that course while talking and helping others can be very fulfilling.

What’s the next event you’re planning to do with OEW? Unfortunately, I’m going to be having surgery in the next few months. Depending on my recovery and what the doctor says, it probably won’t be until early next year; but I’m hoping for as soon as possible.

Why should people become OCAs for OEW? I think becoming an OCA and being active in the community has given me motivation to get up and get outside. It’s given me motivation to help, not only myself, but something much bigger. For a long time I was sedentary and inactive. Being introduced to this dedicated community has helped me with my own physical state; it has also shown my family the importance of giving back, participation in community activities and camaraderie. As cliché as it might sound, it truly has given me a deeper purpose in life.

Thank you for being a part of the OEW family, Joe! We wish you luck on your surgery and can’t wait to see you back out there.

Behind the Mask: Redemption

Redemption at the 2018 Colorado Spartan Race.

Q: What does your call sign mean to you? A: The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. A second chance.

Q: What branch of the military did you serve in (or are currently serving in), for how long, and what was your job? A: U.S. ARMY, 5 Years. I was an Infantryman, served in a sniper team for C co 1/18th Inf.

Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory? A: During my first race with OEW I saw one of the MAT members fall on the floor and the rest of the team helped him get back up. At that very moment I saw that they were vulnerable just like the rest of us but determined to complete the mission.

Q: What is the best thing about being a MAT? A: We have the privilege to help others accomplish their goals .

Q: What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a MAT? A: Make sure your heart is in the right place, it will be tested more often than your physical endurance.

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Q: What would you like people to know about OEW? A: I wish people would know how much each team member sacrifices to keep this running. This is a 100% volunteer organization, not a single member gets paid to attend any events, to the contrary, many have to use their vacation time and sacrifice time away from their own families but, they would never tell you that. It's all done for a single mission, at the end they retreat into the shadows, remove their masks, and put their call signs away until the next time they are needed.

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

A: I live for one purpose, after my injury I felt that I had lost it but seeing the MAT sacrificing so much for our wounded veterans showed me that I could still be part of something great and serve my country.

Q: Motto or principle you live by. A: Die first, then quit.

Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT? A: I learn from every single experience and apply it to my training. If the task is 12 miles carrying 30lbs I train for 24 carrying 60lbs. See question number 5 above, always keep your head up high.

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!

Listen to Redemption'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.

Behind the Mask: Initiative

Q: What does your call sign mean to you? A:  To me my call sign means to stay true to the core of tirelessly pushing forward for what is right.  Silent professionalism plays a big part in this and I feel it is better to see the end results.  Not the person behind it.

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 served in the US Navy from 1993-2005 as an nuclear field enlisted submariner and 2005-2007 as a Nuclear Officer .

Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory? A: Indoc.  The bonds forged through that exercise will be lifelong.  The character established, unforgettable.

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Q: What is the best thing about being a MAT? A: The best thing about being a MAT is the sense of self accomplishment you aid in establishing in a person who didn’t realize they were capable of greatness.  You help people find their inner awesome without them realizing you were there to mentor and foster that trait.

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Q: What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a MAT? A: The best piece of advice I can give someone wanting to become a MAT is.....  it’s not about you.  The less you are seen and heard the better.  Mission over self.

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Q: What is your daily contribution to OEW operations? A: I serve as an officer and my department is a full-time animal. Our goal has always been to continue to grow and create a diverse range of active recovery tools to be able to help the greatest amount of people.

Q: Motto or principle you live by. A: I have three mottos I live by:

     A. Live beyond limits

     B. Live out loud

     C. Go, Be, Do

Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT? A: There’s is no secret.  Just be active.  Don’t be a slug.  I can still run sub 6-minute miles or go Adventure for 100 miles.  The only way to keep that possible is to never stop moving.

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!

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.