“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” — Proverbs 16:3
REDEEMED AMONG THE WORLD UNITED,
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WHY?
It was in response to the sacrifice of America’s military families and our nation’s warriors – the fallen, wounded, veterans, and those who serve today – that R.A.W. United was established. And it is in on the competitive platform that we honor the unfailing love and grace of our Creator and the selfless sacrifice of our military heroes.
Our words and motives are not politically motivated, but rather are a testimony of the efforts and accomplishments witnessed while deployed in the Global War on Terrorism. Moreover, it is not our objective to persuade you to agree or disagree with our government’s rationale for deploying American soldiers in the Middle East following the 9-11 attacks. R.A.W. United is simply choosing to honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform, and utilize our great sport as a conduit to do so.
This photograph was taken in Kandahar, Afghanistan at the funeral service of SFC Christopher Robinson of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Chris gave his life defending the freedoms we often take for granted as Americans. Chris was survived by his wife and two children. I was honored to know him and to serve with him.
One of the goals of R.A.W. United is to heighten America’s awareness – specifically the powerlifting community – of the sacrifices that its military families are making in the Global War on Terrorism. Armed conflict is not glorious or romantic; husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters die. That is the plain and simple truth. The critical issues are how we as a nation respond to the conflict, and how our response will affect the courageous men and women risking their lives on the front lines.
Scripture teaches that if we commit our works to the Lord, our plans will succeed. It is our hope and prayer that you will leave this website (and our contests) with a greater admiration for the men and women who serve our country, a deeper respect for their families and the struggles they experience, and a willingness to become actively involved in the R.A.W. United movement to serve and support the members of our nation’s armed forces.