I’ve known LAV for a long time, and I know a lot about his background. I think it’s good that he has answered criticism about his weight issues, and I think his situation will resonate with many Military Veterans. Physically, the Military takes a toll. It robs men and women of their youth, but forges them into something greater; LAV exhibits this dichotomy. While he has adapted to physical challenges, his mind and skill set are as sharp as ever. I always wish Larry the best, and hope that his physical fitness routine pays off for a lifetime of healthy living.
Tags: LAV, Vickers Tactical
Thanx Eric !!!! I appreciate the friendship and the kind words !!!
Just curious why there are no glow belts on during that run. Just kidding, but in all seriousness:
Kudos to addressing this directly. You weren’t required to say anything and you’re pushing past your injuries.
Good luck with everything.
It would be very interesting to know the exact backgrounds of those who call you fat. I bet they cannot grasp the physically intense time you’ve been through.
Big RESPECT to you!
Usually arfcommers posting loudly from the grooming and haberdashery forums.
Ever see that one movie Way of the Gun? That one guy says it best.
“Only one thing you can know for sure about a broken down old man…..he’s a survivor, kid”
LAV, I help a number of veterans manage musculoskeletal issues free of charge. As a veteran myself, I see the giant whole in the VA system that lets people slip through the cracks and I attempt to fill that hole with my conservative care. If you would like a phone consult feel free to call. I may be able to point you in the right direction.
haters gonna hate
I’ve enjoyed training with you. Haters try to boost their own ego by taking on legends. Sorry is as sorry does. Great video.
Good for you, Larry!
Rock on Larry!
Hang tough brother. I’ve trained dozens if not 100’s of retired military guys that have physical issues from years of hard service. It can be a long tough road to get back into decent condition and improve your health, but you can get there. The most important part of this “comeback” is the way you think about it. Go slow, think long term and do your best to avoid further injury. As a fitness contributor here on SSD, trainer and author, I get a lot of emails from guys in our age group, 45-55 and have seen some make some amazing improvements. As I know you can, good luck and if I can do anything to help, just let me know.
Semper Fi
Paul
It’s hard if he travels a lot because the nutritional part is challenging.
At his core, Larry is a beast. He will get back.
LAV,
Great to see. I can empahthize, though what I’ve done isn’t nearly to your extent, the miles do add up. Now in my 23rd year, with nearly 15 of those on status, it sucks getting old.
Have one at Huske for me.
Chuck
I thank LAV for his service! Clearly a great American.
Maybe he put on some weight, but he’s doing something about it. Thanks to his CrossFit efforts he’ll be better tomorrow.
For those haters, well, they’ll still be assholes tomorrow.
Larry Vickers has accomplished more than most people in the military dream or hope of accomplishing, let alone even being able to qualify for and graduate from some of the schools he has attended. For individuals to comment on his weight in regards to his age without knowing his operational and experiential background are not only ignorant but also foolhardy. The military takes a toll on your body and some of the injuries sustained during operations and training come back to affect you when you age and get older. I too am an “older” Soldier and started to feel the affects of aging shortly after turning 40, so now not only do I have to train harder, but also smarter. Thanks for sharing your story Larry and keep on being an example to the rest of us.
Worse, there are teenagers and old guys alike who *know* his background and talk to/about him as if he’s one of their punk friends. Larry is someone who is held in high regard by all the people that matter and the people who don’t matter, well… they don’t matter.
He’s been places most of us aren’t fit to know about, much less go, and he’s managed to retain humility. This video is an example.
IKR? First pic I saw of LAV in his dress and fruit salad.
My first response was a little bit of awe. Last I checked they don’t hand out CIBs and freefall badges and especially not in his era.
Just seeing that reinforced my belief that there is a lot he holds to his chest. Everyone knows about Panama. That is unavoidable but I’m sure if more people only knew. ..they’d feel a might conspicuous about their comments.
Larry, although I cannot comprehend the physical damage that has been done to your body over your years putting boot to ass, I can relate to the daily pain and medical issues.
Ive not had feeling in my left lower leg and foot for three years, Ive had two back surgeries and knee/ankle surgery and to be perfectly honest I do the best I can with what I have left.
I would love for someone to ask why Ive put on 50 pounds over the last 5 years… I just dont think I would be nearly as diplomatic about the way I answered.
Larry, It takes a man with great humility to get in front of a camera and address such an issue such as; “Why I’m Fat!” At 52yo and carrying a few ammo cans about my waist I can relate. Just like TH above, four back and one cervical fusion makes getting up in the morning nothing short of a small miracle. Thanks for the inspiration to get back to a PT regimen.
Semper Fi
Well said Mr. Vickers. Thank you for your service. De Opresso Liber.
TLB
Thank you for your service and keep up the great work! one big guy to another!
Thanks for making this video.
I know many who have the same weight issues, and your explanation is awesome.
Thank you again.
Mr. Vickers has been at the pinnacle of our military and any military in the world. He’s continued to contribute to the community with innovations, knowledge, and training. The thought of some guy playing Call of Duty thinking he is bad for calling people out on message board is what’s wrong with everything. I can’t imagine the beating his body has taken after all those years in Delta and I’m missing a leg from combat. The people that matter appreciate everything you’ve done!
Hooah!
I agree and would wager a bottle of Maker’s Mark 46 that the people who call him fat never had to do any type of physical exertion aside from pressing the buttons and keys on their keyboard, PS or XBox controllers.
LAV Limited Edition SMGLee shirt…nice!
As for the haters, put them in their place Larry! I’d love to see these internet “commandos” say a fraction of these things to his face. On a side note, I’ve completed a few of Larry’s classes and they’ve always been excellent.
Enjoyed the pictures. Thanks for posting.
And that is why he is a great man. Outstanding.
Larry truly owes NOTHING to anyone. I applaud his willingness to address his fans, which just further illustrates his spirit of continuing to give and serve.
To paraphrase a wise sage, “When 52 you reach, look so good you will not.”.
The way I see things, given the service to this country that LAV has in the past and all of his accomplishments I’d say that he’s more than entitled to put on a few pounds in his post-military life.
WOW. dude Larry who are these haters we will beat them up. I speak for all of us when I say you are our hero and mentor. You are a freaking beast!!!! keep up the great work and keep of kicking ass. You are the man LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV LAV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DELTA!!!!
Didn’t read LAVs explanation. Didnt need to. I watch LAV because he knows his weapons, gives sound advice and produces interesting stuff. His weight has zero bearing on any of that and is frankly none of my bloody business or anyone else’s. during his service it is a given he was fit as a fiddle, as an ex serviceman he can do what he likes. Thankyou for all the informative and entertaining videos LAV, fat or thin I’ll continue to enjoy them.
Mr Vickers, only ignorant , envious and hateful people would speak of you badly. We may NOT be saints but you sir have surely given more than most. By any measure or standard, that does deserve a great dollop of respect or simply good manners on part of those making bad commentaries to shut up!
You of all people dont need to explain a damn thing to anyone. Keep up the good wrk love your insite and input. You have been there done that. Keep it up Larry.
I used to be on the other end of the weight spectrum. I was always tall and thin, made fun of through out my entire school years. I was around 6 feet and just could not get past 130lbs!!
Now I just hit 50, I am 6’1 and just under 175lbs. I am still lean but a lot more defined as I went on a diet to gain pounds and while I have never had to lose weight I am told that trying to put it on is right at that level of trying to lose it.
So Mr. Vickers, I gained my weight by creating for myself small achievable goals. Over a year ago I bought a shirt too large for me and at first I was swimming in it. Now little by little I see the shirt fitting a bit better. It no longer looks like a big brothers hand-me-down! Perhaps you too can make small realistic goals because it’s a very positive empowerment when you make or surpass it.
My very best wishes to you in your endeavors and please know, you have been a great help and inspiration to me in my firearms training.
Getting older period. My dad works out all the time but just age takes its toll not to mention a tough lifestyle for however many years. Good video but people calling you fat are just jealous. Plain and simple they wish they could be you. Knowledge alone makes the videos worth watching. The icing on the cake is you also have a great background in it. One last thing, Garry Owen brother!
A lot of people mistake a look for a capability. Capability matters, looks don’t. Drive on Larry.
“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Speaking from experience, I understand the debilitating effects of physical injuries. A spinal cord injury and an A/C type V separation (that’s when you get up off the ground to find your clavicle sticking out of your back) ended my career. However, it never ended my life pursuit of healthy, physical fitness.
After watching Mr Vickers self-deprecating video, I wonder if it is not just his injuries, but the loss of companionship and camaraderie of his fellow warriors. I see a lot of returning servicemen and women, especially those in elite units who at best are melancholy and worse, depressed and even suicidal when they are no longer with their team mates and experiencing the rush of combat. Many turn to food, alcohol and drugs to deaden the emotional pain.
Enough psycho babble. Without sounding trite and boorish, Thank you, Mr Vickers for everything you have done and continue to do for us. You and yours embody “Duty and Service“.
Lastly, be careful with the CrossFit. Lots of bad things happening to good intentioned people doing that, especially in your age group. Like everything else, it’s all about attitude. MGunz has that and some great ideas on how to stay fit. I’d take him up on his offer. Either way, the best to you in your pursuits. You certainly deserve it.
First off. Larry doesn’t need to explain sh*t to any of these “fans”. Personally I would have preferred a video titled “F*ck you guys I’m not even fat”. Second why is anyone here comparing themselves or trying to give “advice”. You just look like a dope to everyone on the internet.
I mean c’mon, not everyone can be Pmac :). But I just assumed he was a cyborg.
I can only envision the physical and mental anguish LAV had to endure doing what he did. I respect his honorable achievements. I also can only empathize with a fraction of the long term physical and mental after effects of his service, as I was but a basic infantryman myself. From one infantryman to another, thanks for your prior service and your continued service.
Beautiful video, Larry.
You gived your best time for your country Larry! And luckily survived that all, I know from own experience that it is hard to tell about the toll that service takes.
Still want to know why he was PNGed from the unit
This is exactly why the 20 year retirement system exists and should be kept, at least for those military/naval career fields that are physically arduous. Spend a career doing those and the damage done to your body limits your post-military options, at least somewhat, and therefore you should be compensated. For the office-type career fields, perhaps the 20 year retirement is too generous.
Larry ,
You don’t owe no explanations to anyone. you did something that the overwhelming majority of men wouldn’t or couldn’t do to begin with.
keep doin what you do LAV !!!!
Thank you for all you have done for this country. The haters should be thanking you as well for providing them their freedom of speech. God bless and good luck!
I love to run, but now, every time I do, I end up back in physical therapy. You know why we vets are fat after we get done? Because eff you! Rangers, LRSD, SF in a career takes its toll.
Larry, those trolls didn’t deserve the answer that you gave them. The fat turd keyboard warriors living in their mom’s basement don’t deserve the right to even carry your s*** bucket! Your sacrifice should be honored and revered!
Besides, I think you look better than you ever have and probably 1000 times more wise!
Thanks for your sacrifice!
Dave Sends
Thank you! With all you have given and the way you live your life I cannot comprehend how anyone would not have 100% respect for you. I encourage you to keep pushing at the gym- I hope to pay a visit to IFA when back in town. Take care man.
Willpower. The issue at hand is willpower.
Many people mistakenly believe that the only thing needed to go from skinny to fat, or from fat back to skinny, is willpower its self or the lack thereof. “Just eat less” they argue, “Exercise more” they cohort.
Larry’s video clearly demonstrates the corollary: he had maintained the highest levels of performance for decades. Now he’s heavy. His willpower is not at a deficit, his body is physically not accepting any more, not matter how hard he tries.
When I served, I was in a source rating for buds. About a dozen of my classmates fell out along their way to the teams. Several fell to immediate, crushing injuries, the rest slowly fell behind expectations. Their classmates encouraged them, “Just try harder” or “Come with me and we’ll practice more”. But none of them ever caught up and eventually they had to leave the program. I was struck by the counseling each received as their dreams were crushed. “Willpower alone is not enough” they were told, “half of selection is just being lucky enough to not get hurt, the other half is being built for what the teams need.”
Until you’ve been through it, so seen others go through it, it is easy to think that it is all about willpower. “Sure i could be a seal if i tried hard enough”, or “That guy could loose a few pounds if he tried harder”. What’s truly difficult, it to accept that willpower is only a small part of it, mostly we’re all here to do something, the what and why of it we’ll never understand.
Thanks for the great input.
Hello Mr. Vickers,
Regardless of one’s physically abilities/disabilities, what one eats is the most important factor in maintaining a healthy body. I do not know your level of knowledge with regards to nutrition, but the current food pyramid recommendation is death, to say the least.
If you have time, I encourage you to watch a documentary entitled “Cereal Killers Movie”
http://www.cerealkillersmovie.com/
This is a very basic but great film that explains what someone can start doing today to begin burning fat, just from the foods they choose.
You mentioned you travel a lot, so do I, but you can still maintain your nutrition levels (and feel satisfied) by visiting grocery stores in the cities you visit instead of restaurants. Not as convenient, but you will feel so much better.
There is only so much I can say in a post. If you have any questions, I am at your service.
The vast majority of Americans are fat. A bunch more that aren’t fat are also not “fit” (mentally or physically).
Most vets, LEO’s, Firefighters/EMS, etc put a lot of wear & tear on their bodies, a lot more than the average jack-off that never did anything.
It doesn’t take much to sit around all day and whack off, which is probably what these haters do…best thing for LAV is to ignore, no explanation is required for anyone that has his background.
To the haters and jealous weenies, go pound sand and lie to your old lady about why you don’t / couldn’t join the military.
Larry, great video. I have long wondered why you were so quiet about your unit experience when so many others spoke a little more openly about Delta and Devgru. I have always been of the impression that you are one of the most down to earth “top tier” tactical guys ever and I dont doubt for a second that your experience has helped. I have personally seen a know-it-all seasoned tactical guy try to downgrade your experience based on your physical appearance. I remember them arguing with me saying you were only a green beret, not Delta and somehow that resulted in less competency than other instructors out there. Either way, if I had the money and time, I would attend any tactical class you offer and I will continue to watch the vickers tactical channel because it’s not only entertaining but it’s relevant to anyone carrying a weapon for a living. Lastly, thanks for the fireclean you sent me a while back. It’s worked out great so far.
Straightforward and honest… Btw., great article on EDF 7×40 binos!