“Early in the morning of Saturday, 06-Aug-2011, a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter approached a landing zone in Afghanistan 40 miles southwest of Kabul. The helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was on a mission to reinforce American and coalition special operations troops. It would never return. Insurgents fired at the Chinook, severed one of its rear rotor blades, and brought it crashing to the ground. All 38 on board, including 31 Americans, perished instantly in the single greatest moment of sacrifice for Americans in the war in Afghanistan. Those killed were some of the U.S.’s most highly trained and battle-honed commandos, including 15 men from the Gold Squadron of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, known popularly as SEAL Team 6, which had raided a Pakistan compound and killed Osama bin Laden just three months earlier.” – Ed Darack “The Final Mission of Extortion 17”
The downing of Extortion 17 and the massive loss of so many Special Operators sent a shock wave through the SpecOps community within hours. It’s one thing to work within the Special Operations community. And, it’s most certainly something special to operate as a U.S. Navy SEAL. And even further…it’s an incredible duty, honor, and responsibility to work as a member of DEVGRU. But, it’s STILL beyond that to operate as a member of Gold Squad. The men lost that day were the best…of the best…OF THE BEST. The men we lost that day were the “tip of the spear” in every way possible.
We want to raise awareness for this tragedy and the ultimate sacrifice made by all these men. To that effect we’re putting on a nation-wide fitness competition AND hosting a series of Virtual Runs! 100% of the net proceeds raised by these event will be split evenly among the follow veteran-oriented 501(c)3 organizations:
31 Heroes
Navy SEAL Foundation
Operation Enduring Warrior
Combat Wounded Coalition
The Raider Project
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH/EITHER NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE AND NO MATTER IF YOU WANT TO COMPETE!
We are offering this opportunity to supporters ANYWHERE to sign up for one event…OR…sign up for ALL OF THEM!
The Fitness Competition will be composed of 3 crossfit-styled workouts spread over a 3 week period (1 workout released each week starting on 03-AUG-18). Everyone who signs up for the Fitness Competition will also receive our Extortion 17 Memorial Competition event tshirt! Those who wish to be eligible for podium honors must submit videos of their entire workout. Judges will review each and every competitor video for time and proper execution.
Register for the Extortion 17 Fitness Competition HERE.
The Virtual Run will be offered in 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon distances. Your Runs must be completed by 06-AUG-18 to be eligible for podium honors. Everyone who signs up for a Virtual Run will receive a finisher’s medal that corresponds to the distance they registered for. If you sign up for multiple distances, you will receive medals for each of the runs. AND, if you sign up and complete all 3 distances, you’ll receive the exclusive “Trifecta” finisher’s medal free of charge!
Register for the Extortion 17 Virtual Races HERE.