ALL IN 4AHERO
Ryan Blackwell ’ s WELL Trained Program Brings Wrestling Instruction to Kids in Gulf Breeze
“ At WELL Trained , we implement an ELITE approach ,” says Ryan Blackwell . “’ ELITE ’ is the acronym of our motto , ‘ Every life , individually trained , enhances ,’ and as such represents the core values we hold ourselves accountable to . The ELITE approach behind the WELL Trained philosophy illustrates the high professional level of service we provide .” WELL Trained is located in Gulf Breeze , Florida . The gym ’ s program incorporates both girls ’ and boys ’ wrestling , as well as functional fitness classes , youth PE classes , and much more . A focused , results-driven , yet approachable Veteran and Purple Heart recipient , Ryan ’ s style is to inspire those he trains to aim high in life using the confidence he helps them develop . “ Our goal is to see that each of our members achieves the highest state of readiness for whatever comes at them in life ,” he told us . “ In effect , we work to help them develop into their full potential .”
WELL Trained ' s coach , Austin Elliiot , engages the imaginations and amazing energy of kids in movement-andstrength training that builds their confidence .
How I Came To Know AHERO By USMC GySgt Thomas “ Zac ” Stevens
It was Memorial Weekend in 2014 . I had just learned I was on the board for a promotion to the rank of USMC staff sergeant and was spending the day with friends and family , remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom .
That evening , I was invited to take a ride on a bicycle and got on without a helmet . We all agreed that the cool air blowing across our faces felt good on this warm May evening . But then , when we turned back towards the house , my foot slipped off the pedal and I went flying headfirst over the handlebars .
I don ’ t remember much about what happened next . Just moments of me yelling , being inside an ambulance . Being asked to calm down because I was ripping out my IVs . I woke up in a hospital with only brief memories of the last several hours . My family was there , including my parents who lived over eight hours away . Later I learned I ’ d been transferred to a second hospital due to a subdural hematoma : a traumatic brain injury ( TBI ).
During the next 11 days , I was discharged and readmitted due to seizures caused by the TBI . The next two years after that were spent
96 AHERO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021 recovering at Wounded Warrior Battalion East in Camp Lejeune in North Carolina .
Determined to return to duty , I spent the recovery time as a staff volunteer , and was eventually asked to run the IT department when the civilian employee left the position . As IT support , I was able to help staff and patients with networking , system analysis , and repairs for the next year and a half . I also spent time with other Marine service members who were suffering from physical or emotional pain , or both . I did my best to learn about each person , to listen and be available to them , if needed .
During this time , I met USMC Maj Lee Stuckey . While working together , he told me about his injuries and perseverance and how he founded AHERO to help wounded Veterans like himself .
Surrounded by all these wounded and amazing heroes I ’ d gotten to know , Stuckey ’ s story of helping to heal such Veterans through friendship and outdoor activities was inspiring . HELP FOR MY BROTHER , A VETERAN
AHERO recently reached out to my medically retired brother , a Veteran with
PTSD . He was invited to an AHERO fishing event and was treated like family . Surrounded by caring Veterans who had experiences similar to his , he witnessed them freely discussing their combat trauma and resulting struggles . These men and women still rise to conquer their challenges , my brother told me . And this has reinvigorated his spirit .
He also had learned about resources , benefits , and opportunities that he hadn ’ t heard about and had found friends to share his testimony with . He feels that his time spent with AHERO during those four days saved his life and has made him a better person .
As for me , after many tests and hours of physical and occupational therapy , I was finally granted the opportunity to return to full duty . Today , I have served over 16 years in the United States Marine Corps and have many more to come !
Please help me in raising funds for AHERO , so that this amazing organization can continue to have an impact on those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today .