First, an update on the Whole30 Sponsor a Soldier program. We’ve raised almost $2,000 to date – an amazing accomplishment, considering the program has only been active for a few days! Thank you so much to everyone who has donated. I’d especially like to recognize Becky Strahan, CrossFitter, yoga instructor and owner of The MAT Yoga Studio in Richardson, TX. Becky and her husband Bill have been a huge supporter of this initiative, and I can’t thank them enough for their encouragement, and generous contribution.

Today, I’d like to feature two prominent sponsors of Operation Iron Cross – CrossFit’s own Operation Phoenix, and CrossFit Whole9’s favorite equipment supplier, Again Faster.

Operation Phoenix is a CrossFit initiative that raises funds to equip the entire United States Marine Corps with functional fitness equipment to increase combat preparedness, reduce injury, and strengthen unit cohesion. This effort is accomplished through non-profit sales, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Every penny raised goes directly to “America’s Fighting Force,” the USMC.

We contacted Operation Phoenix last week, and asked them if they could assist with our Afghanistan efforts in any way. We immediately received a note back, asking for an equipment and supply “wish list”, and cost estimates. Within just a few days, we had approval to purchase EVERYTHING on our wish list – all fully funded by Operation Phoenix. Rings, assistance bands, parallettes, t-shirts, speed ropes, and more… everything we needed to run several gymnastics certs and then some, all 100% donated.

Enter our favorite equipment supplier, Again Faster. We contacted Jon Gilson and asked if there was anything HE could do to assist us in our efforts. As expected, we received a response that very same day. Not only is Again Faster scrambling to gather every last requested item, they also offered to donate all of their profits on all equipment sales to Operation Iron Cross.

Working together, Again Faster and Operation Phoenix are providing the majority of the supplies and equipment necessary to run several full-scale gymnastics certs for the men and women of the 7SFG, right on base. How amazing is that?

Thank you to Operation Phoenix and Again Faster, on behalf of the 7FSG, Vance Camp and the Operation Iron Cross crew. We quite literally could not hold these certifications without your contributions. You (my readers) can learn more about out Operation Phoenix and support their cause by purchasing some of sweet Op Phx gear. And if you want some insider information on those gymnastics tricks and skills, visit the Again Faster Mic’d Instructor and learn how to perform movements like skin the cat and the back lever.

Stay tuned here for more featured Sponsor Profiles, and updates on our Whole30 Sponsor a Soldier initiative. We’re not done collecting funds yet, so click here to sponsor a soldier today!