Match to Serve is proudly sponsored by The Transcend Basis.
US Military Sergeant Main Greg Keller described himself as a naturally match child who performed a number of totally different sports activities. He was additionally fairly positive he knew what he was going to do along with his life from a really early age. Whereas many youngsters of his era have been into video video games, he was within the army. Each of Greg’s grandfathers served within the Military following World Warfare II, however he learn many historical past books, however studying in regards to the Military Rangers in Vietnam actually stood out to him.
He recalled, “I’d go to the bookstore and skim all of them. I learn so lots of these books as a child that I turned obsessive about it.”
Later in his childhood, he noticed documentaries in regards to the depth and dedication of those who undergo the brutally tough Navy SEALs “Hell Week” coaching in addition to protection of the Finest Ranger Competitors, which fueled his ardour in regards to the army much more. By the point “Black Hawk Down” got here out in 2001, Keller knew what he was going to do along with his life.
“It was over. The one factor I used to be doing was going into Particular Operations, and I used to be hell bent.”
He wasted no time making an affect, both. Keller was an18B Senior Weapons Sergeant on Particular Forces Detachment-Alphas (SFOD-As) in fifth, nineteenth, and tenth Particular Forces Teams (Airborne). He held different roles all through his profession as effectively, together with being the Battalion Help Firm First Sergeant, and Technical Data Help Firm Sergeant Main.
Except for turning into a Inexperienced Beret, he has earned many honors and awards alongside the way in which, together with two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, Military Commendation Medal for Valor, Particular Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, two Military Commendation Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, and three Military Achievement Medals, amongst different recognitions.
Keller’s spouse, Virginia was his highschool sweetheart, and she or he was alongside him for each step of his army profession to date. They’d a number of ups and downs alongside the way in which, together with in 2021, when her husband suffered a mind stem stroke.
“I went from being fairly match to being in a hospital mattress for a number of months,” he shared. “The entire proper aspect of my physique was utterly paralyzed.”
As tough as that’s to beat, Keller’s docs stated that his health was an enormous asset for his rehab. The uncertainty that comes from an incident like that may have an effect on the entire household, particularly her, who needed to offer the perfect help doable for him in addition to elevating their two youngsters.
“My connection to health got here from needing an outlet after his stroke simply to handle my stress ranges.”
Virginia’s dedication led her to the bodybuilding stage as a result of she felt she wanted “one thing excessive” to work in direction of. In 2022, she competed within the NPC Bikini division at that yr’s Mile Excessive Championships. She positioned second in that present’s True Novice Class A. She hadn’t been again onstage since, however that may change within the spring of 2025.
“I haven’t picked a selected present out but, however I’ll step onstage once more.”
Greg was clearly her greatest supporter, and her efficiency then and dedication now conjures up him as effectively.
“Fairly truthfully, it motivates me. Her entering into the fitness center to today helps me keep motivated,” he stated. “It may be onerous to remain motivated after I can’t do what I used to do, however I’ve to do what I can or else I’ll lose what I’ve gotten again.”
Keller’s nonetheless energetic within the army as effectively. As we speak, he works because the Senior Enlisted Chief of the USSOCOM Preservation of the Power & Household. Their mission is to construct and implement a holistic strategy to handle the strain of the pressure by addressing bodily, psychological, social and household, religious, and cognitive wants. It’s an workplace job, however he places in the identical dedication as he did in any of his different roles. Virginia acknowledged that his dedication is one other instance of how a lot he loves his nation.
“It’s unwaverable.”
Keller has 50 p.c utilization of his proper aspect. So, he’s restricted in what he can do within the fitness center in comparison with the time earlier than his stroke. Nonetheless, he nonetheless commits to being match by coaching often. He rides an train bike and makes use of extra machines than free weights these days as a result of it’s a safer possibility, however he pushes himself to the perfect of his capacity, which continues to be moderately spectacular.
“I can keep an honest high quality of life that I won’t have been in a position to get again had I not been within the form I used to be when it occurred.”
Being Match to Serve is a Household Matter
Each Greg and Virginia Keller emphasize the significance of being wholesome to their two sons, however they admit it isn’t that tough to affect them on health as a result of they’re energetic already. Additionally they converse in regards to the significance of diet.
“We do eat fairly clear and wholesome with protein and veggies,” Virginia stated. “There aren’t a variety of processed carbs.”
Luckily, they don’t must be inflexible with regards to exercise. One among their sons works a full-time job in the summertime and trains in MMA. The opposite performs soccer and is coaching for that sport as effectively. Each dad and mom really feel assured they are going to be profitable as adults, whether or not in addition they be a part of the army or not. That stated, Keller feels younger Individuals in the present day ought to keep in mind that service is an possibility that’s price contemplating. Those who do be a part of ought to put together by specializing in health now.
“The vast majority of the army requires you to be wholesome and fairly match, and you’ll just do tremendous.”
Keller Household Health Suggestions
Everybody can discover methods to enhance, however the Kellers’ story verifies that it may be much more useful and satisfying when these you’re keen on are targeted on being their greatest selves as effectively. They hope others see their message as an incentive to start their very own health journeys. Virginia shared that merely taking the primary steps (actually and figuratively) could make a distinction.
“Simply get began. Motivation follows motion!”
Greg’s story is proof that not day-after-day would be the identical, however you may and may take advantage of out of it since you’ve it. He provides encouragement to those who can use a reminder that merely sticking to the dedication will likely be well worth the reward.
“Health is a lifetime pursuit,” he stated. “Consistency is vital; don’t let a nasty day, a nasty week, or a nasty yr completely derail your health journey.”
M&F Senior Army Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this text.
