Episode 023 is Part One of Jimi Letchford’s conversation with Jason and Rich about his life in service. Jimi is the former Director of CrossFit International and a Marine Infantry Officer. This part focuses on Jimi’s early life and then career in the military. He explains how wrestling and a well-placed jet led to a single-minded focus on the Naval Academy, and then injury derailed his dreams of becoming a SEAL and a chance meeting turned his focus to the Marine Corps and becoming a Lieutenant in the Infantry and tip of the spear in Iraq. Hear about his 9/11 story, training and mentors, pre-deployment wedding, a rather harrowing “wake-up call” to stay vigilant, loss, getting news about his first daughter’s birth while in Iraq, and how the “gung-ho” award winner uses his military lessons and training to approach leadership through giving and subordinate leadership.

Jimi is a father of 5, Naval Academy Graduate, class of 2003, and was a friend of Travis Manion’s, whose family carries on their son’s legacy at the Travis Manion Foundation. He is currently the in the reserves at 4th Force Reconnaissance Company based out of California. Episode 024 (Part 2 of this conversation) is focused on Jimi’s work for CrossFit creating strong community bonds in addition to building the brand globally. 

Links:

• Jimi Letchford
• The Marine Corps Values
• The Travis Manion Foundation
• Abu Ghraib and “Route Michigan” (satellite)
• Cpl. Richard “Ricky” Waller
• Learn more about GORUCK 
• Glorious Professionals podcast website