SSG Griffin or Coach Keith

My story is very different from my wife's. I have been in the military for a major portion of my life. I began my career as a Marine (SEMPER FI) in 1984. I was out of the service prior to meeting Rochelle. When September 11th, 2001 occurred, I knew that I HAD to get involved again. I HAD to help my country. I decided to join the Florida Army National Guard.

My unit was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in 2005. While we were at our mobilization site in Mississippi, I injured my neck and knees. As a result, I was sent to medical hold in Kentucky while my unit deployed overseas. I found out that I had crushed 2 vertebrae in my neck and had worn down both of my knees...a result of wearing the heavy body armor. I was in constant pain.

For the next 2 years, I had physical therapy to try to strengthen my neck and knees. Finally at the end of 2007, I had to have neck surgery to fuse the vertebrae. My knees? Well, I was told that I would eventually need to have knee replacements, but that I was too young to have it done now. I was simply going to have to live with the fact that I could no longer run with my son. Heck, I had a hard time even walking any distance. Did I gain weight? Oh yeah.

In 2008, the Battalion Headquarters made the decision to send me through the med board process to be honorably discharged from the Guard. I didn't have a choice in this matter. I wasn't able to even stand in final formation at the end of the training day due to the pain. While this process was going on, I watched Rochelle succeed with Beachbody...both physically & financially. I started to learn about the different nutritional products and began taking the Joint Support.

Imagine my surprise when I realized that, over time, I was starting to feel better. I was in less pain. I was beginning to walk without a limp. I LOVE the Guard and decided to try to "beat" the med board. This can be tough to do, especially because I was already set to be discharged. After being evaluated by the med board physicians, I was found to be capable of doing my Guard duties.

I BEAT THE MED BOARD!

I am now finally working out again. I am lifting weights and will be starting a modified P90X rotation. I still can't do any jump training. Too hard on the knees. I'm getting back into shape because I am now scheduled for deployment in 2010.

Trust me, people, if I can persevere through all of this, YOU can do what YOU need to do to get in shape and be healthy. Let us help you! HOOAH!