VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — In 2015, Alex “Ollie” Oliver was medically retired from active duty after serving for more than 20 years in Naval Special Warfare.
During his time as a SEAL, he helped create a performance program designed to increase his teammates’ output and help those recovering from injuries. He turned the program into a business and opened Virginia High Performance in 2014.
But once he retired, he realized that the transition from active duty to civilian life would be one of the toughest battles he’d face.
“My first 20 years in the Navy were exactly what I expected them to be,” Oliver said. “And shortly after getting out, it was absolutely the worst time of my life.”
Oliver refers to the transition as hopping off a bullet train.
“At some point, you realize you’re getting off that train one way or another,” Oliver said. “And when you do, you hit the ground, you get up, dust yourself off, look left, look right, and ask yourself, which way is the station?”
Cognitive decline, a broken neck and a “jacked-up” back were just a few of the obstacles that Oliver faced when he retired. It was also an adjustment for his family at home.
“I was selfish thinking the transition was all about me,” Oliver said. “They’re going to have to get used to you being home a lot more.”
Between deployments and training, Oliver spent about 300 days away from home during active duty, which makes the transition even more challenging. Oliver began working with his wife on a program that mirrored VHP but was catered to a retired SEAL’s needs.
He started seeing results himself when he received a well-timed phone call.
“I was asked, oddly enough, by another former member from Naval Special Warfare who’s now a congressman, do you think you could design something specifically for veterans?”
Oliver replied, saying, “Yeah, I think I can do that.”
With support from the Navy SEAL Foundation, it was Texas Rep. Morgan Luttrell who called Oliver, and the Warrior Fitness Program was born.
Steve “Mato” Matulewicz of the Navy SEAL Foundation said the organization spent $30 million in 2024 to fund programs like the Warrior Fitness Program. He said you can’t put a price on its impact.
“This program has truly changed lives, I’ve seen it.” Matulewicz said, “I’ve had guys come to me and articulate to me that if it wasn’t for this program, ‘I don’t think I’d be talking to you right now,’ that big of an impact.”
If you’re interested in donating, visit https://www.navysealfoundation.org/.