BARNES AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. -- Putting on a STRONGCAMP had been a goal for Technical Sgt. Dacia Lucas, 104th Maintenance Group aircraft engine mechanic, since she attended her first camp.
Lucas was able to live out that dream over Veteran’s Day weekend as she hosted a two day camp Nov. 10 to 11, 2018, at Land Warrior CrossFit in Suffield, Connecticut.
The camp gave Lucas the opportunity to combine her love of the fitness community while promoting resilience, empowering women and raising awareness of veteran suicide.
“Being able to bring in the military side of things, like resilience and self-defense, that really brought everything together,” said Lucas. “It all came full circle.”
Lucas said the fitness event provided a place for women to connect and support each other.
“There is a certain bond it brings to women,” said Lucas. “They come and push their limits physically and have a safe space to vent, too.”
Special tank tops were sold at the event and all proceeds were donated to the Brian Tripp Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to graduates of Suffield High School and Howell Cheney Technical School, where Tripp was an alumni and teacher, said Lucas.
Tripp is a U.S. Army veteran that sadly fell victim to suicide. He is the brother of the owners of Land Warrior CrossFit, where the STRONGCAMP was held, said Lucas.
In addition to donating to the Brian Tripp Memorial Fund the group also donated to charities to aid in the fight against breast cancer, said Lucas.
“It was one amazing camp and I hope to host again next year,” said Lucas. “Although it may be hard to out-do this one.”