Thousands of athletes and spectators are expected to board the USS Midway Saturday to support of the newly formed Three Wise Men Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness of the challenges faced by veterans returning home from war.
“It’s just incredible the amount of support that has poured in to support our cause,” said Nathan Fletcher, founder and chairman of the foundation. “Between 22 and 50 veterans commit suicide every day in America. If we can help just one veteran get access to services they need, it will all be worth it. Our hope is to reach thousands of veterans through our efforts.”
The six-hour, CrossFit-style tribute to veterans will feature such well-known athletes as Josh Bridges, Val Voboril and Tommy Hackenbruck.
Events will also be held at more than 300 gyms across the nation on Veterans Day.
Proceeds from Saturday’s event and the Veterans Day tribute will directly benefit returning veterans by providing access to the help and services they need to prevent suicides among returning soldiers.
The Three Wise Men Foundation is named in honor of Fletcher’s cousins, brothers Jeremy, Ben and Beau Wise. Jeremy and Ben were both killed in action in Afghanistan. Beau remains on
active duty in Marines.
