{"id":751251,"date":"2026-04-25T02:51:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T02:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/751251\/"},"modified":"2026-04-25T02:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T02:51:17","slug":"mechanicsville-marine-and-crossfit-gym-owner-gives-back-to-those-who-helped-him","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/751251\/","title":{"rendered":"Mechanicsville Marine and CrossFit gym owner gives back to those who helped him"},"content":{"rendered":"

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. \u2014 Marine and Mechanicsville gym owner Dean Bennett is testing athletes\u2019 strength and endurance to raise funds for a nonprofit that cares for wounded service members, veterans, and military families.<\/p>\n

Bennett opened the CrossFit gym Direct Action Athletics at 7999 Creighton Parkway about three years ago after completing years of military service.<\/p>\n

Sgt. Bennett survived several combat tours in Afghanistan and returned with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was having a hard time adjusting both from multiple deployments overseas, and then like, I’m not a Marine anymore. I\u2019m a civilian and finding my place and my purpose when I got out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The nonprofit, Semper Fi and America\u2019s Fund<\/a>, helped Bennett transition to civilian life and mentored him so he could open his own gym.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have a business program that helped me start up and learn the ins and outs of how to start operate, get your certificates,\u201d he said. \u201cThere’s little things, but they can’t hold my hand the whole way.\u201d<\/p>\n

In just three years, Bennett has grown his gym to include 79 clients between 13 and 67 years old.<\/p>\n

He touted the Mechanicsville High School 4×2 relay team who trained at Direct Action Athletics<\/a> and just won their state competition.<\/p>\n

On Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m., 17 teams of two will compete in grueling exercises for prizes with proceeds going back to the organization that helped him succeed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that we are forever indebted to everyone who served. We all serve a part. I was a Marine. My fianc\u00e9 is Army,\u201d he said. \u201cUltimately, we’re one team, one fight. I don’t think anyone should be forgotten,\u201d Bennett said.<\/p>\n

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday. The public is welcome to cheer teams on and donate to the cause.<\/p>\n

CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. <\/b>Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n

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This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n