On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

We are beyond honored to have 31Heroes and our event Bart’s Mile featured on Fox News with Dana Perino last year asking you to support us on #OneMoreThing! Watch HERE.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

In the wake of the unimaginable tragedy, a mission was born. Following the downing of Extortion 17, a fundraising WOD—hosted at more than 430 gyms around the country with more than 10,000 participants—raised $300,000 over a four-week period to support the 30 families affected. This prompted the organizers to create 31Heroes to remember our fallen heroes and take care of their loved ones.

Humbled by the massive response and inspired by the impact on the families of these heroes, 31Heroes recognized an opportunity to reach even more families. Soon, new events and WODs were organized with the help of a growing network of passionate volunteers.

Today, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding the treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Since our first event in 2011, more than $2 million has been given back to our nation’s heroes and their families through grant-making opportunities and partnership programs. In 2015, 31Heroes launched the initiative to support treatment for veterans suffering from mental health issues.

They’ve left behind more than just memories. They’ve given us a legacy to honor. Together, we can ensure the mission to honor the fallen lives on and veterans are not forgotten when they return home.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.