At PWR LIFT, we’ve had the privilege of spending the last few years working out with those who serve or have served in the armed forces at many gyms across the country. We’ve also had the privilege of being able to give back to the veteran community through the incredible organization that is U.S.VETS. As we gear up for Memorial Day Weekend and ahead of another year of our Murph workout sponsorship, we had the opportunity to sit down with U.S.VETS’ National Corporate Campaigns & Community Relations Manager Heather Harvin to chat more about what U.S.VETS does, how you can get involved, and how the Murph workout contributes to their organization.
PWR LIFT:
What is your mission at U.S.VETS?
Heather:
U.S.VETS is the largest nonprofit organization with boots on the ground to combat America’s veteran homeless crisis head-on. Our holistic approach delivers intervention and prevention services, including housing, mental health and career programs, and wraparound services. With residential and service sites nationwide, U.S.VETS is uniquely positioned to help veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life.
PWR LIFT:
What projects are funded by donations? Can you identify some top projects from 2023-2024?
Heather:
Last year, our partners at Dr. Squatch renovated and installed ADA bathrooms at our Las Vegas residential site. This was a very special project, as U.S.VETS values all of our veterans and wants to make sure everyone is cared for and equally supported! In fact, many partners across the nation give our veterans and their families the service they deserve annually through rewarding community beautification and renovation projects.
PWR LIFT:
How can people get involved with U.S.VETS outside of donations?
Heather:
You can get involved with U.S.VETS through workforce readiness training, events and activities, skills-based volunteerism, site improvement and beautification projects, donation drives and matching gifts, meal service for veterans, holiday celebrations, or by simply showing your appreciation.
PWR LIFT:
How is the Memorial Day Murph workout connected to the work you do at U.S.VETS?
Heather:
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. Memorial Day is a day to honor those that have died in combat, and this year PWR LIFT is honoring the lives of those brave soldiers by sponsoring 10 Murph workouts nationwide and raising money for U.S.VETS.
U.S. Vet and Team PWR LIFT member Evan Slaughter says it best, but the Murph workout is a workout challenge named after Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who sacrificed himself in combat in order to save the lives of his comrades. Every year on Memorial Day, people and gyms across the country take this brutal workout and make it into a challenge as a way to show appreciation to those who serve or have served in the armed forces. The workout consists of:
- 1 mile run
- 100 pull-ups
- 200 push-ups
- 300 squats
- 1 mile run
For each person that posts their Murph workout over Memorial Day Weekend on social media and tags @drinkpwrlift and @usvetsnational, PWR LIFT will donate $20 to U.S.VETS. In addition to the workout, if you purchase their camo PWR LIFT t-shirt online, all proceeds will be donated to U.S.VETS. Together, PWR LIFT and U.S.VETS are bringing visibility and awareness to the U.S.VETS mission to end veteran homelessness in the U.S.
PWR LIFT:
What is something you want people to know about the work you do at U.S.VETS?
Heather:
Everyday, we humbly work toward the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provisions of housing, counseling, career development, and comprehensive support. We believe all veterans deserve every opportunity to live with dignity and independence. It is our duty at U.S.VETS to deliver on our promise to always serve those who’ve served.