They ran through rain, crawled on their knees and carried sandbags. It wasn’t boot camp, it wasn’t a military exercise and it wasn’t war. It was, however, an obstacle course dedicated to those who did survive war, and those who didn’t.

Named “The Crucible,” the obstacle course was hosted by the local Hammond organization The Disposable Heroes Project, which helps wounded veterans and raises awareness of fallen soldiers. The obstacle course took place on Southeastern’s campus and started in the morning on Saturday while finishing up in the afternoon    

“Whether it is paying some guys rent that is in dire need of it…or some kind of recognition a fallen soldier needs or the ability for the family to speak about their son that has fallen, we’re going to do it,” said Brad Mckee, coordinator of the Disposable Heroes Project and a Southeastern general studies senior. “Anything that gets brought to our attention that we think we can handle, we go straight for it and we get it done.”

Starting at the top of Strawberry Stadium’s parking garage, contestants were split up into teams starting at different intervals and were sent across Southeastern’s campus facing various obstacles. The obstacles ranged from brutal, such as jumping and crawling under hurdles and doing bear crawls, to refreshing, such as running through a shower of water spouting from a fire truck and sliding through a slip and slide.

“It was great,” said alumna Shannon Janis. “I haven’t done anything like this before in my life and it was the most physically demanding race I’ve ever done.”

Some students also found the obstacle course to be enjoyable in spite of the grueling difficulty.

“It was a lot of fun,” said nursing junior and Navy veteran Ryan Fortner. “The obstacles seemed to be very well thought out and it was challenging for every fitness level. You can make it as hard as you want to by running as hard as you want to.”

Among the things the event offered such as giving the chance for locals and students to run an intense obstacle course, Saturday marked the anniversary of the death of Hammond local Army PFC Matthew Wildes who was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. PFC Wildes’ family was in attendance at the event and gave a chance for the community to meet them and become aware of the sacrifices that the men and woman of our military make.

“I think it’s awesome what Brad’s doing and bringing awareness to and to help wounded soldiers,” said Mary Wildes, mother of PFC Wildes. “I’m glad to see so many people are getting involved.”

In addition to supporting a good cause, students also saw this as a chance to test their physical endurance.

“I ran because its a good cause and I wanted to test myself and see what I could do and try to get into shape,” said business management junior Mark Grillo. “I think I surprised myself for how good I did and it was a lot harder than what I expected and to be here for the cause, that helps out the people who help us everyday that nobody really thinks about.”

The course remained open until the last man running the course crossed the finish line at Strawberry Stadium’s garage. 74 year-old Frank Abene was the last to cross.

“I have done an obstacle course run before, but this was the most grueling thing I have done in my life,” said Abene. “It was a challenge. I made it, but it was well worth it. I would do it again.”

According to Mckee, by the end of the day the organization netted around $10,000 through the 175 people who registered and purchased merchandise at the event. All of the proceeds will go towards helping veterans and raising awareness of fallen soldiers. Mckee is also working with congressman Steve Scalise to bring a scholarship to Southeastern that is for wounded veterans.

“There are wounded veterans at Southeastern and this is a community that we should support, but not enough people know that they are even out there so that’s the main reason Southeastern should care,” said Mckee. “The even broader picture is no matter if you’re a student, faculty staff or what ever the case may be, it’s our goal, its our mission and it should be our duty to welcome them with a warm welcoming from combat.”

For those who are interested in upcoming events hosted by the Disposable Heroes Project or to learn more, visit www.thedisposableheroesproject.com.

“This is a message we can’t let die and it’s not a bad message,” said Mckee. “People are striving, and we will only get stronger. Our message is something that Southeastern should definitely get connected with and if we find help we can definitely get on that path.”