Sergeant Brett Gornewicz Workout

A Tribute to a Hero: The Sergeant Brett Gornewicz Workout at CrossFit Angier

CrossFit Angier has always taken pride in honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. We believe in the power of fitness not just as a tool for personal transformation, but as a community platform to pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, we dedicated our sweat and effort to a special hero workout, created in honor of Sergeant Brett Gornewicz.

Sgt. Gornewicz was an exceptional member of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and served valiantly as a combat engineer. He was killed in action on November 3, 2012, in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Our workout today was a tribute to him, to his strength, courage, and sacrifice. This was not just about physicality, but about remembering and appreciating the sacrifices of all service members who have given their lives for our country.

Sergeant Brett Gornewicz Workout
A tribute to a hero: the sergeant brett gornewicz workout at crossfit angier

Our workout was a unique blend of power, endurance, and heart, with each part of the workout symbolizing an aspect of Sgt. Gornewicz’s life and service. Here’s how we did it:

The first part of the workout consisted of 2 rounds of the following:

  • 11 Power Cleans (165/115 lbs) – Representing the month of his passing, November.
  • 3 rounds of Cindy (5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, 15 air squats) – Representing the day he was killed in action, November 3rd.
  • 12 Box Jumps (30/24 in) – Signifying the year 2012 when he was killed in action.
  • 12 Deadlifts (165/115 lbs)
  • 12 Burpees

Once we completed the two rounds, we transitioned to a 2,402M Row. This distance served as a poignant reminder of the number of service members who were tragically killed in Afghanistan.

This was not an easy workout. It demanded grit, determination, and strength, much like the challenges Sgt. Gornewicz and his fellow soldiers faced every day on the front lines. But the physical exertion was secondary to the symbolism and the homage we were paying to our fallen hero.

Every rep, every stride, every breath was a salute to his courage and a testament to our gratitude. As we pushed through the workout, we felt a deep connection to Sgt. Gornewicz and all the heroes who have served our nation. It was a humbling experience, and it reinforced our commitment to honor their sacrifices through our workouts and our community.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude and respect for the service and sacrifice of Sgt. Gornewicz. Today’s workout was a small gesture of our immense gratitude. We hope to keep his memory alive and to inspire others to remember and honor our heroes.

Sergeant Brett Gornewicz Workout
Maj. Gen. William buckler presents the flag from the casket of sgt. Brett e. Gornewicz, an army reservist who was killed saturday by a roadside bomb in afghanistan, to his mother, margaret, during the funeral at st. John the baptist church in alden, monday, nov. 12, 2012. (ap photo/buffalo news, derek gee)

This was more than just another day at CrossFit Angier. It was a day of remembrance, a day of gratitude, and a day of unity. We proved once again that fitness is more than just a personal pursuit; it’s a community endeavor that brings us together in the most meaningful ways.

Remember the heroes. Honor their sacrifice. Push your limits. And always, always remember why you started. For Sergeant Brett Gornewicz, and for all those who have served, we salute you.

Never forget. Stay strong. Keep pushing.