Pushups for Veterans

Few people can say they have a veteran role model. “Pushups for Veterans” hopes to change that. Matthew Matthews ’27 founded the club this year. The club’s goal is to raise awareness for veterans and first responders through physical challenges, community service, fundraising with the Upper School Missionary Society and guest speakers at club meetings.

Matthews has been surrounded by military influence his whole life. His father is a former Navy SEAL, and his family has veterans on both parents’ sides. While the club's name would suggest a mission solely focused on aiding veterans, Matthews is also adamant in his desire to help first responders. He said, “They (first responders) have unique experiences, things that are hard to teach within the constraints of a classroom.”

Feeling that these men and women have been “neglected nationally,” he plans to raise attention to first responders and veterans. The community service will be independent, while the physical challenges will be both on-campus and asynchronous, ranging from activities like running a mile to doing the most pushups or crunches in a minute. He will advertise these events through chapel announcements and emails. In reflection, Matthews said, “I want to make sure that people know that we want to learn from veterans as much as we raise money for them. They have so much to teach us.” If you are interested in joining, please contact Matthews or the organization’s faculty sponsor, Mr. Billy McGuire ’85.