QRF Portal | Donate

QRF Athletes

Austin Owens

Strongman Athlete

I was in the United States Army as an 11B Infantryman. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 attached to SOTF I was injured by an RPG. I caught shrapnel throughout my body including my head, sustaining a traumatic brain injury. After receiving a Purple Heart and other various awards, I was medically retired out of the Army. I truly found my love for fitness during the rehabilitation process. I could see the benefits of exercise for physiological reasons but the mental benefits were just as important.

It has been the one thing to keep me on a straight path.

In recent years, I started competing in Strongman and Powerlifting, winning Ohio’s Strongest man in 2022 and placing well in other various competitions. With the help of QRF, I am able to continue to compete in Strongman and pursue my goals within the sport.

"We are a veteran owned gym. Kurt served four years in the Army and was deployed to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He has seen and experienced the impact that serving our country has on our soldiers. Several of our members are also veterans and some are still active. Helping our heroes is something that is very meaningful to us and our community. We want to show our support in any way we can. “It takes a village…”

CrossFit Raidho, affiliate

"I want to support QRF because of my deep gratitude to those who stand on a wall and protect us. I feel those people should get all of our admiration and support, yet they are often pushed to the back and forgotten. Our former military members endure such horrible experiences so that we don’t have to and it breaks my heart to see them suffer when they come home. If I can do a small thing, such as supporting QRF, I will."

Rhonda Guerra, Mother of a veteran

"So it started out when I signed up for an event on Memorial Day hosted by QRF in Phoenix. I was able to meet Chris and discuss what this organization was all about. From there, I was hooked. I’ve lost many friends to suicide and I’ve noticed one commong thing: their fitness was declined. You guys are one of the few organizations that understands the importance of fitness in the veteran community, so that’s why you’ll always have my support. For me, I just got let go from my job at the police department but knowing that I have an organization like you guys backing people like me is making this rough patch better. I’m happy to see you grow and can’t wait to see what the future holds."

Kevin Crewse-Pinedo, Veteran

"QRF gave me the ability to work out with like-minded people and use actual equipment, rather than roughing it in my garage. I made lots of friends, lots of gains, and competed in three competitions where I had lots of fun."

Mitch, Veteran

"I just won’t ever forget how sad you were that day at Crossfit when your friend committed suicide. I remember we encouraged you to pursue what you were thinking was needing to be done to help veterans as well as raise suicide awareness. That day, we promised we would support you. So here we are, still supporting you and believing in your organization. I know one day if my boys need you that you would be there for them in a heartbeat. I also know how very real the suicide is in active duty as well. Sadly, both boys have had to be a part of all that with their guys. I know at the end of the day, if you help and save one veteran then all your hard work is worth it. I love that your team has expanded and I’m looking forward to the great things that will be happening."

Francine, Mother of two active duty soldiers

"Thanks to QRF, my life has genuinely transformed for the better. Their unwavering support has given me the tools necessary to overcome adversity and reclaim my purpose by competing in strongman. QRF recognizes the importance of rebuilding one’s life after the military and the struggles that come with it. After being injured in Afghanistan I would have never thought to be competitive in strength sports. I stand as a testament to the profound impact that QRF has on the lives of veterans, and I remain eternally grateful for the opportunities they have provided me."

Austin, Veteran