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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
Recovery Soldier Ministries works to help men who struggle with addictions to help lift and carry their load on the road to recovery and restoration.

Now the ministry and students of Elizabethton High School PE teacher Jordy Harrison are working together to help these men during their recovery to strengthen themselves physically by working with RSM founder Josh Scalf to help design and equip their new fitness space.

The ministry raised all the funds to build the 16×30 space with a covered outdoor area. While helping RSM design the space, the students became motivated to also help them equip it if possible.

After hearing of the work that the ministry did in the community in assisting men to battle their addictions and the dream they had of having a fitness space at their facility, the class went to work to help out the cause.

The students worked with representatives of the fitness industry such as Mike Nease from Dynabody and David Ball from Legend Fitness to learn how to design space for efficiency and safety, conduct needs assessments, create a list of essential equipment and other items that needed to be addressed.

Students that were involved with the project presented a presentation to local media as well as a community panel of fitness experts including college professors, gym owners, coaches, and various community people who are interested in community projects.

Cooper Tipton, an EHS junior and baseball player, showed a trash bag to the audience and said, “What is this used for? For putting in your trashcan so you can take out the trash, right? Well, not at RSM.

“This is an essential piece of weightlifting equipment. They have to tape this to their benches at night so the rain and dew won’t soak into the equipment because all of the coverings are worn off.”

The presentation received much feedback from various people as the students worked to hone their message. The input came from Scalf, coaches, teachers, former college professors, and communication professionals as they worked to improve their presentation skills and receiving feedback to improve their message.

It was also a learning experience for the students as they integrated various technology as they created powerpoints for presentations integrating videos as well as creating handouts.

Trenton Taylor who is an Elizabethton wrestler and football player made a point to those listening that drove the whole presentation home.

“What if this was your son, your father, or your brother?” Taylor asked those present.

“The best gift to give is something that someone can’t repay. That is what we are trying to do here.” TJ Little an EHS junior football player added.

For those who would like to contribute to the weight room project, simply visit the RSM website, recoverysoldiersministries.org, or call them at 423-518-1450.