The Vinton Police Dept. joined forces with BoomTown CrossFit to observe Memorial Day with
“The Murph Challenge” fundraiser on May 26. This annual event is free and open to the public
and designed to help remember the sacrifice of heroes like U.S. Navy Seal Lt. Michael P.
Murphy, who was killed in combat with Taliban fighters in Afghanistan in 2005.
The Murph Challenge is held annually around the world on Memorial Day. Over 100 hardy
participants showed up at BoomTown CrossFit early on this rainy Memorial Day to remember
Murphy, honor all those others we have lost, and reflect on the cost of freedom.
According to information from the fitness center, Lt. Murphy was the officer-in-charge of a
four-man Seal element in support of Operation Red Wings, tasked with finding a key anti-
coalition militia commander near Asadabad, Afghanistan. Shortly after inserting into the
objective area, the Seals were spotted by three goat herders who were initially detained and
then released. It is believed the goat herders immediately reported the Seals’ presence to
Taliban fighters.
A fierce gun battle ensued on the steep face of the mountain between the Seals and a much
larger enemy force. Despite the intensity of the firefight and suffering grave gunshot
wounds himself, Murphy is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his
teammates.
Murphy, intent on making contact with headquarters, but realizing this would be impossible
in the extreme terrain where they were fighting, unhesitatingly and with complete disregard
for his own life, moved into the open, where he could gain a better position to transmit a
call to get help for his men.
Moving away from the protective mountain rocks, he knowingly exposed himself to
increased enemy gunfire. This deliberate and heroic act deprived him of cover and made
him a target for the enemy.
While continuing to be fired upon, Murphy made contact with the SOF Quick Reaction
Force at Bagram Air Base and requested assistance. He calmly provided his unit’s location
and the size of the enemy force while requesting immediate support for his team.
At one point, he was shot in the back causing him to drop the transmitter. Murphy picked it
back up, completed the call and continued firing at the enemy who was closing in. Severely
wounded, Lt. Murphy returned to his cover position with his men and continued the battle.
Lt. Murphy fought on, allowing one member of his team (Marcus Luttrell) to escape.
Ultimately, Murphy, Danny Dietz and Matthew Axelson were killed during the mission.
For his selfless actions, Lt. Michael Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional
Medal of Honor on October 27, 2007. He was the first member of the United States Navy to
receive the award since the Vietnam War. His other posthumous awards include the Silver Star
Medal and the Purple Heart.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an inspirational message, the heats got
underway at 8 a.m. with a one-mile run through local streets (with some runners wearing Army
vests), followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 air squats at BoomTown, followed by
another one-mile run.
Vinton Police Lt. Scott Hurt was on hand with the VPD Mobile Unit to cook lunch for the
participants and their families. Smooshed provided sweet treats.
The BoomTown CrossFit gym and fitness center is located at 703 Tinker Avenue in Vinton near
Cargill. Donations are accepted to benefit The Murph Foundation at
https://murphfoundation.com/.
