Fort Cavazos Soldiers reenlist at CrossFit Games

FORT WORTH, Texas - It was not a typical Saturday morning Aug. 10 at Dickies Arena here. As spectators entered the Amon G. Carter Jr Exhibits Hall, they were quickly overwhelmed with CrossFit merchandise, high-protein foods and people in peak physical condition. The U.S. Army Warrior Fitness Team could be heard conducting rowing classes for spectators. It drew attention from the audience and that of each vendor near the team.

The CrossFit Games started in 2007, quickly growing to have more than 340,000 athletes registering for the Open, the initial qualification for the CrossFit Games, in 2024. Two III Armored Corps Soldiers chose this occasion for their reenlistment ceremony - an event that merged the commitment to fitness that defines both CrossFit athletes and Soldiers.

With the crowd still gathered, Maj. Thomas Murgel, commander of the 151st Medical Augmentation Detachment, 11th Field Hospital, 1st Medical Brigade, took the stage and called up Sgt. Elayni Avalos, licensed practical nurse, and Staff Sgt. Vanessa Mundell, surgical technician, both of 756th Medical Detachment, 11th Field Hospital, 1st Med. Bde. These two women stood tall, representing the nation's Army.

Murgel spoke to the two Soldiers, reminding them their career is full of sacrifices and dedication not every person can handle, to strive to "be all you can be" while serving and he was proud of their accomplishments. He then asked the two Soldiers to raise their right hand and repeat after him.

As the Soldiers recited the oath, pledging to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States," the crowd stood silent, listening to them reaffirm their commitment to the Army and the nation. As they finished, the crowd applauded, showing admiration and appreciation.

Avalos spoke to the crowd, grateful for the opportunities the Army has given her and her family.

"Being here surrounded by people and my family makes this reenlistment even more special," she said. "I am honored to have opportunities like this reenlistment and leadership letting me be the best Soldier I can be."

Avalos and Mundell work in specialized fields that require continual training. Even with this training, Avalos is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing and Mundell completed a Bachelor of Science in health science in May. Avalos and Mundell aspire to one day become Army officers in the medical branch.

"I just finished my degree and completed BSEP (basic skills education program) with the Army," Mundell said. "I will one day become an Army physical therapist."

The event also featured a particular workout of the day dedicated to the audience, giving them a taste of what the athletes were working through in Dickies Arena. Soldiers and U.S. Border Patrol agents tackled a circuit that included double-unders, pull-ups, push-presses and lunges.

During the grueling 20-minute workout, everyone was smiling and cheering each other on, motivating those in need and pushing each other to finish strong. These exercises represented the physical and mental toughness required of Soldiers, U.S. Border Patrol agents and CrossFit athletes.

CrossFit Games organizers expressed their pride in hosting the ceremony, recognizing the connections between the sport and the Army.

"We're honored to have these women reenlist here," said Joe Alexander, CrossFit director, CrossFit seminar staff. "Their presence reminds us of the strength it takes to serve, and we're grateful for their dedication."

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