Community members raise awareness for veterans' mental health through workout

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ahead of Veterans Day, a group came together at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for a CrossFit Hero workout. 

“A little bit of camaraderie, a little bit of connectedness and a great workout,” said Bill Butler, acting president of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

The CHAD 1000X is in honor of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson who died by suicide in 2018. It aims to bring awareness to the mental health effects that come with serving in the military.

“We need to remove the stigma associated with people seeking treatment for mental health. Everybody has challenges. Life is challenging and there’s no shame in seeking help,” said Butler.

Participants did 1,000 box step-ups on the roof of the museum.

“Once you get in the rhythm of it you put yourself there with what a lot of veterans have gone through. Maybe what Chad Wilkinson was going through in his life,” said veteran, David Knight.

These workouts happen all across the country, raising money for mental health initiatives that support veterans.