Mission
WHY I AM DOING THIS
In June 2026, I watched an Ironman for the first time. I couldn't stop thinking about it — I wanted in on this...not because I wanted glory or to prove something to myself. All the glory goes to Jesus. Honestly, I couldn't stomach the race fees and justify the cost for my own personal interests. I kept thinking: what if I did something hard, not for me, but for someone who already did something harder?
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That's how I got here, training for an IRONMAN for veterans.Â
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I'm a 34-year-old mom. I just joined a triathlon team. I am learning to swim with intention, ride with discipline, and run with purpose. This is brand new for me. The finish line in 2027 is not about me crossing it — it's about what the journey sends as a message: you are not forgotten.
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Our veterans gave everything. Some came home carrying wounds no one can see. I want them to know that people love them — that there are people out here willing to sacrifice something too. Every early morning, every aching mile, every moment I want to quit... I do it for them. I will not quit.
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My goal is to raise $50,000 for the Veteran Bushido Brotherhood — directly funding the programs that walk alongside veterans and remind them that their sacrifice was seen, and their life still matters. It impacts veterans and their families that I have seen firsthand. This is personal to me.Â
"I don't want to do something hard for me. I want to do it for them — for every veteran who carried more than any of us will ever know."
I am Emily. I am a 34yr old mother who lives in PA. I grew up in a big family that was always into sports or adventures.I played softball, basketball, & ran cross country & track.
I now have my own family that consists of 4 boys and 1 girl! MY kids are into wrestling, lacrosse, basketball, football, biking, and cross country.
My favorite things are just having fun with my family. I am a big kid at heart so I will never turn down a bike ride or playing some one on one.
I am a family girl, I love doing things with my family or watching them do the things they love. My dad and husband are big inspirations to me. My dad is still playing rugby and exercising, staying healthy to still have fun in life with his kids & grandkids!
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My husband Jeric is a 9 year Marine Veteran who served through multiple deployments. He is a father, barber, gym owner, & runs a non-profit (the one I am fundraising for). He still finds time for competing at jiu jitsu. He sets the example to our family on the importance of fitness, fun, and serving others.
About Iron Mom Emily
One person can not do everything, but everyone can do something.
The Cause
Veteran Bushido Brotherhood Non-Profit
The Veteran Bushido Brotherhood is a Veteran owned and lead organization, that helps fight the after effects of service with community through fitness. Â
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Who they serve : Any Veteran that has served Honorably that is ready to find a community and get into a fitness community!
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What they provide: 3 months scholarship to gym/group fitness & all required gear
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PROVIDING RESOURCES TO VETERANS TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR LIVES!
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The Veteran Bushido Brotherhood is here to help veterans using fitness and community as tools to heal the mind and body. Our founder, Jeric Fry, proudly served as a Marine for 9 years, through multiple deployments. He understands exactly what someone leaving the service is faced with when coming home.
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Our veterans feel alone, disconnected, and forgotten.
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Here at The Veteran Bushido Brotherhood, we look to get you back into environments that push you, both mentally and physically.
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3.5 days of exercise a week lowers PTSD probablitliyÂ
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Exercise cuts suicide ideation in half
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Lowers overall risk of suicide up to 37%
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Group fitness & team sports directly combat the loss of military identityÂ