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!