Mission Statement:
Our goal is to provide basic to advanced fitness and weapons training for men and women from the Greater Saint Louis area that have officially expressed interest in, been accepted to, attend or serve as an active duty graduate from a United States military academy (United States Military Academy-West Point, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and United States Coast Guard Academy), R.O.T.C. or Officer Candidate School. We also intend to support our deployed officers with care packages from their community and have the resources to assist them upon return should special needs arise. Ultimately, we seek to increase the likelihood that our men and women in uniform return safely from their successful deployments.
A personal note from Keath Hausher, President-SLMOSF:
Several years ago a fitness client asked if his son could attend our class while on break from West Point…of course I said yes. I was immediately impressed by this young man’s attitude, intelligence and strong desire to serve his country. I offered to help with his athletic training, providing him with training programs to use personally. Eventually, when he held the position of athletic sergeant in his company (G4), I developed a program that he could use to train all 100 cadets. Using his natural leadership skills, and my programs, his cadets did phenomenal on the next Army Physical Fitness Test. This earned him a commendation as well as an invitation to lead the G4 team in the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition. He asked for my help in designing and implementing a very aggressive four month training program to prepare them for the grueling 3.5 hour contest where they would be competing against teams from across the world.
My first visit to West Point left an enormous impression. The 4000+ cadets stand tall and walk with a purpose. Each cadet greets you with a nod and polite “sir” as they pass on their way to class, the gym or simply out for a run. When I met the team and started talking about exercise and nutrition, they listened intently, asked great questions and were extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn. As I exposed them to new techniques and corrected their form in the gym, they adapted very quickly and demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic. The following day, we spent eight hours training hard in twenty-five degree cold with four inches of snow on the ground and a 25mph wind. Not once did they complain, hesitate or question what was asked of them…in fact, they had a great time and joked while trying to catch their breath. It was an incredible experience and I left West Point inspired by these young patriots.
For the last five years, I have personally funded the fitness and firearms training provided to these Army Cadets, Navy Midshipmen and any officer or candidate that crossed our path. It has been my privilege to assist and get to know these outstanding Americans. I wish everyone could have the same experience…if that was the case, it would be crystal clear why helping them is such an important and worthwhile endeavor. They personify the values, dreams and ideals that founded our country and risk their lives to protect it from harm. I have been deeply honored to be the recipient of their sincere gratitude in the form of a West Point saber, numerous military coins, engraved plagues and photos, clothing, a helmet worn through the first phase of BUD/S, an infinite amount of handshakes and thanks as well as the Bronze Star earned by one of our officers while in Afghanistan…all of which are among my most treasured possessions. As much as the items are truly appreciated…they are completely unnecessary. I feel that it is my duty to help in any way for what they are willing to sacrifice for me and the millions of faceless Americans who can live their lives in safety thanks to their willingness to stand guard against our enemies. The rapid expansion of our group and rising cost of supplies make it necessary to seek financial assistance to continue our efforts.
I get annoyed when sports commentators refer to an athlete’s “heroic performance” in a competition…I didn’t realize that the pitcher faced the threat of sniper fire or perhaps the base would explode as the runner rounds third and heads for home. Want to meet a real hero? Get to know our officers, cadets, midshipmen and candidates. They are the reason the crowd gets silent as the national anthem is played before the game begins. Thank you for supporting of our foundation.
