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We are proud of our Athletes and we love to share good news about them. Recently, Team Member Jonathan Lopez was featured by Newsweek.
Lopez sums up our mission in one great sentence: “Maybe I’m not active duty but we still put our uniform on and we still help our fellow soldiers,” Lopez said.
Read the whole story here: https://www.newsweek.com/wounded-veteran-boston-marathon-jonathan-lopez-cant-quit-1395528
Q: What does your call sign mean to you?
A: It means demonstrating the internal push to achieve an objective, regardless of how difficult it may be. It serves as a constant reminder to do what is needed.
Q: Why did you commit to the Masked Athlete program?
A: I had been involved with OEW from the beginning and was always moved when I saw the impact it had on people. As a 100% volunteer organization, that impact is only possible because of those that volunteer and commit to help the organization. Though I was supporting OEW as an OCA, I knew I could do more.
Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory?
A: It was my first OCR with Earl Granville, a Spartan Super at Wintergreen. I’ll never forget our group of OCA’s coming up on him around mile 3. No one knew he was there because he had set out to do the course by himself, carrying a sledgehammer that doubled as a walking stick, along with a spare prosthetic in a ruck. Seeing his tenacity and perseverance on the course the rest of the day, as well as how other people fed off that, was inspiring beyond description. I’ll never forget the people laid out on the side of the mountain within an inch of giving up, then seeing how their expression changed when they saw Earl moving up the mountain. Then they pulled themselves together and started moving again. Seeing the power of example, and how the actions of an individual can impact total strangers like that will forever stick with me. All those people were close to quitting but were inspired by Earl, so instead they can look back at that day and know they have it in them to push through mental & physical barriers.
Q: What would you like people to know about OEW?
A: Your support, whether financial or in time, really does make a difference. You can see it in our honorees eyes, and hear it their voices. We aren’t trying to change the world, just make a difference in the lives of veterans, and their families.
Q: Motto or principle you live by.
A: I credit a teammate with familiarizing me with this: “Life is only as complicated as you make it. Keep it simple. Do good and don’t be a dick.”
Check out our 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 opens on an as-needed basis for a short window of submission. Requirements are men or women with military or LEO experience. Announcements are made via social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts and check back frequently for our open enrollment announcement.
Q: What does your call sign mean to you?
A: My call sign is who I am as a person, I give it my all and leave it all out on the course. It is also a representation of how I act, I am a compassionate person and look to connect with people on a personal level.
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 am currently active duty Army, and have been in for 22 years so far. I am currently a First Sergeant for a rather large company.
Q: Why did you commit to the Masked Athlete program?
A: I had a friend who was killed and another who was severely injured in Afghanistan. They both were heavily into fitness, both personable and would actively seek to mentor others. Were they able to do participate in this program they would, and since they can’t I do it in their honor.
Q: What piece of advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a MAT?
A: Remember that this is not about you as an individual. Be humble, be the quiet professional, but be prepared to tackle problems and follow through all the way to the end.
Q: What would you like people to know about OEW?
A: I just want people to know we exist. We are a phenomenal program that gets very little exposure. The more that we get out there, the larger we can become, the larger we become, the more people that we can help.
Q: Motto or principle you live by.
A: “The All Father wove the skein of your life long ago, go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won’t live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing.” Short version, if you are afraid of death, then you will not truly live.
Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT?
A: Lots of cardio and TRX workouts.
Check out our new 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 opens on an as-needed basis for a short window of submission. Requirements are men or women with military or LEO experience. Announcements are made via social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts and check back frequently for our open enrollment announcement.
