*5:30 PM class CANCELED to honor Memorial Day*
United States Marine, Sergeant Matthew T. Abbate, of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, California, was killed on December 26, 2010 during combat in Afghanistan.At the time of his death, Matthew was just 26 years old. 
He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his extraordinary heroism. Here is a brief synopsis of his actions:
While conducting a dismounted patrol through Sangin’s northern green zone and supporting the patrol as part of a Quick Reaction Force team, the insurgents opened fire from several well-prepared positions. Unknowingly ambushed in a minefield, the patrol members were moving into cover when two Marines and the Corpsman struck explosives in rapid succession. With the patrol leader incapacitated and three severe casualties, Sergeant Abbate took charge of the situation and, with total disregard for his own life, sprinted forward through the unswept minefield to draw fire and rally the dazed survivors. Exposed and personally suppressing the enemy, he directed the remaining squad member’s fires until they effectively suppressed the enemy and could render life-saving aid to the urgent casualties. After coordinating the medical evacuation, he then swept the landing zone for additional explosives before the patrol was again forced to take cover from enemy fire. Sergeant Abbate, knowing the casualties’ survival depended upon their rapid evacuation by helicopter, again rallied the patrol’s able men, and led a counter attack to clear enemy fighters from the landing zone and allow for the critically wounded men to be evacuated. (Military Times)
Today’s workout was created by the CrossFit community to honor Matthew’s life. It’s is titled, “Abbate.” Today we honor him.
Logan Gelbrich
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Monday’s Workout:
“Abbate”
Run 1 mile
21 Clean and Jerks (155/105)
Run 800 meters
21 Clean and Jerks
Run 1 Mile
