Army West Point Athletics
MISSION FIRST: A Walk To Serve
December 22, 2015 | Football, Athletics
To say that the United States Military Academy and Army Football had an impact on Mike Viti would be a gross understatement, akin to saying "Mike's Hike For Heroes" was a stroll.
Rather, his time at West Point helped shape him into the selfless leader he is today.
And now, Viti is giving back to something that holds a special place in his heart.
A 2008 West Point graduate who was not only a standout fullback but also held leadership positions within the United States Corps of Cadets, Viti returned to West Point over the summer as a member of Jeff Monken's football staff.
In his role as director of high school and alumni relations, Viti has the opportunity to make an impact on future leaders of characters and connect the "Long Gray Line" to a place that means so much to him.
"It's a cliché, but football is so much more than a game," Viti says. "It's a way to approach life and a way to toughen yourself mentally. Football is where I learned leadership and that's what I practiced in combat. Football is a means, not an end. The sport absolutely challenges and pushes you. There are so many carry-overs to life. Football has done so much for me. It's a trust and loyalty and brotherhood that I want my kids to know."
Viti entered the U.S. Military Academy out of Berwick (Pa.) High School, a place that collected its share of local, regional and national attention for its tremendous football program. Huge crowds under the lights on Friday nights were the norm and Viti helped the Bulldogs to rank as high as third in the country according to USA Today while being selected to the all-state team.
He was also a standout wrestler, reaching 100 wins faster than any other athlete, despite serving as the class president – twice – and serving the student newspaper as a sports writer.
The opportunity to attend West Point, gain a tremendous education and serve his country saw Viti make the three-hour trek from Pennsylvania.
His contributions on the field and off were immediate. He played in 10 games his rookie season and was just one of seven freshmen to earn a varsity letter in 2004.
Viti established himself as the starting fullback during his sophomore season when he appeared in all 11 contests and started six games. His blocking and strength continued to earn him playing time. He rushed four times that season and hauled in six passes.
American Law and Legal Studies was his choice for a major, a fitting selection for someone looking to serve others. Law school was always a possibility and the major kept that option open.
Viti was also making his mark in the O'Meara, Malek, Dawkins Class of 1959 Strength Development Center where he was establishing bench press records.
During his junior season, Viti started all 12 games, rushed 55 times and hauled in 13 passes while scoring once, a 25-yard touchdown run against Texas A&M. He was third on the team in rushing yards with 239 and averaged 4.6 yards per carry, often going up the middle and pushing tacklers for that extra yard. He rushed a career-best 15 times for 57 yards against Navy and also snared two passes.
His passion, competitive nature, willingness to play through injuries and leadership helped Viti gain a pair of honors prior to his senior season. He was elected football team captain and selected as the regimental commander of the U.S. Corps of Cadets.
Viti continued his role as blocking back in his senior season, opening holes for his teammates. He rushed 32 times and scored twice and also caught nine passes despite a pair of injuries.
Although playing one of the most physically demanding positions on the field, Viti never missed a game due to injury and gathered interest from several National Football League teams due to his physicality, his 5-foot-10, 241-pound frame and record 470-pound bench press.
He was invited to the Buffalo Bills' rookie camp but his focus was always on his military service.
The newly minted second lieutenant began his military career at Ft. Carson, Colo., and his leadership was quickly evident. He was promoted twice and served two deployments, including 12 months in Afghanistan.
He retired from the United States Army and was working in a hospital in Las Vegas while his wife, Laura, continued her career path as a clinical pharmacist.
Viti, down around 50 pounds from his playing days, likes to hike to clear his head. During one of those workouts, he was pondering whether veterans would be properly celebrated for their service to country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He broached the idea about a hike across country to Laura and then some friends. What began as an idle thought turned into "Mike's Hike For Heroes."
"I lost a teammate, several classmates and fellow soldiers I was close with," Viti says. "When I retired from the Army, I knew I wanted to volunteer and give back to the families. While soldiers signed up to serve, families were impacted the most.
"I enjoyed my job in Las Vegas, but servant leadership was missing," Viti continues. "I was watching the 2013 Army-Navy Game and was so emotionally charged watching the game. I wasn't that charged up for what I did every day yet Army Football brought that out in me. You don't realize the impact the football team has on you until a few years later. You are a young man in your formative years and you know you are on the right path, you just don't understand it. The guys you share the locker room with are the most amazing people you will meet and you don't realize how special they are at the time.
"Those guys are strong enough to write a blank check for America. I felt like there wasn't enough being done to recognize guys who paid the ultimate price. I wanted people to pause and reflect on what that means not only for the individuals but for the families as well. I had a passion to give something back and a chance to do something special. I wanted to do something where I had to sacrifice. I had to walk away from a well-paying job, my wife and my life in Las Vegas. I wanted something that would take a really long time and be difficult. I wanted to go through hometowns and meet the friends and families who know these people best."
Viti wanted to walk one kilometer for one soldier killed in action. Leaning on a growing support system that included his fellow teammates and classmates, he mapped out a 6,830-kilometer trek to honor 6,830 service members who were killed in action.
Beginning in DuPont, Wash., on April 26, 2014, Viti walked across the country, somberly remembering those who fought for freedom, those soldiers and those families. He connected "Gold Star" families, those immediate family members who lost a family member in combat, and heard stories of bravery and selfless service.
For each kilometer he walked, he added their name to an American flag, using 14 in all.
Along the way he picked up crowds, not only his wife and support staff but teammates and classmates, families of veterans and those who wanted to support his cause.
He stopped in San Francisco after then-49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh learned of his mission and Viti addressed the teams' rookies.
The hike was a challenge, a challenge Viti needed to undertake to ensure people remembered. Often times he was alone on side roads, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection and a cot when he was ready to stop for the night.
"Several times I asked myself if I was nuts," Viti chuckles. "My first thought was if I make it to the West Coast, I will be in good shape. All that happened when I got to San Diego was that I was tired and worn out and still had to walk across the country. Several times I took tactical pauses to remember what I was doing and why. The great part was having a cause attached to it and seeing the families and getting their reassurance for what I was doing."
He met thousands of people as he made his way across the country, thankful for someone to open their home or walk along so he could share his cause and hear their stories.
A web site helped track his progress, and he co-founded Legacies Alive with fellow former Army football player Mark Faldowski to raise awareness.
Slowly, but surely he made his way across the country, traveling east until South Carolina and then heading north.
"The hardest part was the emotion toll," Viti reflects. "I didn't think I would connect with as many families as I did and they would impact me so much. Hearing stories of loved ones and what they meant to families was really sad in a lot of ways. The biggest takeway I had was those nearly 7,000 families will forever sacrifice so the rest of the country doesn't have to. They took so much of the burden off of others because their loved ones volunteered for service. Hearing different stories and different backgrounds was so eye-opening and it was all in service to country."
The hike culminated in Baltimore, Md., on Dec. 13, a fitting conclusion to a walk to honor service members just before the start of the Army-Navy game presented by USAA. Viti and his team received a standing ovation when introduced during the contest.
Viti returned to Las Vegas and explored what was next. Law school continued to be a possibility and the University of Las Vegas had accepted him into the program. There was also thought of a master's degree from Johns Hopkins for non-profit management or to explore a coaching career.
Then Viti was invited to serve as an honorary captain of the Black-Gold Game, Army's end of spring scrimmage. Inspired by Monken's desire to improve the Black Knights, his vision for the program and his commitment to building leaders of character, Viti began to consider a return to West Point.
After spending time with Monken at West Point and getting to know the coaching staff, Viti accepted his current role. He returned east, this time driving, for a new opportunity to serve.
Viti is now responsible for working with potential cadet-athletes, serving as an example of what kind of individual the Academy produces. He is also energizing the alumni base, reaching out to former players and sharing Monken's vision for success.
"This was the right choice and one I am passionate about," Viti says. "I want to give back and serve a program that has given me so much. My next career was going to have an impact and include service. That was non-negotiable. And that's what Army Football is. Teaching young boys and turning them into men. Helping a program that has given not only me, but my friends and those before me so much was an easy decision."
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Rather, his time at West Point helped shape him into the selfless leader he is today.
And now, Viti is giving back to something that holds a special place in his heart.
A 2008 West Point graduate who was not only a standout fullback but also held leadership positions within the United States Corps of Cadets, Viti returned to West Point over the summer as a member of Jeff Monken's football staff.
In his role as director of high school and alumni relations, Viti has the opportunity to make an impact on future leaders of characters and connect the "Long Gray Line" to a place that means so much to him.
"It's a cliché, but football is so much more than a game," Viti says. "It's a way to approach life and a way to toughen yourself mentally. Football is where I learned leadership and that's what I practiced in combat. Football is a means, not an end. The sport absolutely challenges and pushes you. There are so many carry-overs to life. Football has done so much for me. It's a trust and loyalty and brotherhood that I want my kids to know."
Viti entered the U.S. Military Academy out of Berwick (Pa.) High School, a place that collected its share of local, regional and national attention for its tremendous football program. Huge crowds under the lights on Friday nights were the norm and Viti helped the Bulldogs to rank as high as third in the country according to USA Today while being selected to the all-state team.
He was also a standout wrestler, reaching 100 wins faster than any other athlete, despite serving as the class president – twice – and serving the student newspaper as a sports writer.
The opportunity to attend West Point, gain a tremendous education and serve his country saw Viti make the three-hour trek from Pennsylvania.
His contributions on the field and off were immediate. He played in 10 games his rookie season and was just one of seven freshmen to earn a varsity letter in 2004.
Viti established himself as the starting fullback during his sophomore season when he appeared in all 11 contests and started six games. His blocking and strength continued to earn him playing time. He rushed four times that season and hauled in six passes.
American Law and Legal Studies was his choice for a major, a fitting selection for someone looking to serve others. Law school was always a possibility and the major kept that option open.
Viti was also making his mark in the O'Meara, Malek, Dawkins Class of 1959 Strength Development Center where he was establishing bench press records.
During his junior season, Viti started all 12 games, rushed 55 times and hauled in 13 passes while scoring once, a 25-yard touchdown run against Texas A&M. He was third on the team in rushing yards with 239 and averaged 4.6 yards per carry, often going up the middle and pushing tacklers for that extra yard. He rushed a career-best 15 times for 57 yards against Navy and also snared two passes.
His passion, competitive nature, willingness to play through injuries and leadership helped Viti gain a pair of honors prior to his senior season. He was elected football team captain and selected as the regimental commander of the U.S. Corps of Cadets.
Viti continued his role as blocking back in his senior season, opening holes for his teammates. He rushed 32 times and scored twice and also caught nine passes despite a pair of injuries.
Although playing one of the most physically demanding positions on the field, Viti never missed a game due to injury and gathered interest from several National Football League teams due to his physicality, his 5-foot-10, 241-pound frame and record 470-pound bench press.
He was invited to the Buffalo Bills' rookie camp but his focus was always on his military service.
The newly minted second lieutenant began his military career at Ft. Carson, Colo., and his leadership was quickly evident. He was promoted twice and served two deployments, including 12 months in Afghanistan.
He retired from the United States Army and was working in a hospital in Las Vegas while his wife, Laura, continued her career path as a clinical pharmacist.
Viti, down around 50 pounds from his playing days, likes to hike to clear his head. During one of those workouts, he was pondering whether veterans would be properly celebrated for their service to country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He broached the idea about a hike across country to Laura and then some friends. What began as an idle thought turned into "Mike's Hike For Heroes."
"I lost a teammate, several classmates and fellow soldiers I was close with," Viti says. "When I retired from the Army, I knew I wanted to volunteer and give back to the families. While soldiers signed up to serve, families were impacted the most.
"I enjoyed my job in Las Vegas, but servant leadership was missing," Viti continues. "I was watching the 2013 Army-Navy Game and was so emotionally charged watching the game. I wasn't that charged up for what I did every day yet Army Football brought that out in me. You don't realize the impact the football team has on you until a few years later. You are a young man in your formative years and you know you are on the right path, you just don't understand it. The guys you share the locker room with are the most amazing people you will meet and you don't realize how special they are at the time.
"Those guys are strong enough to write a blank check for America. I felt like there wasn't enough being done to recognize guys who paid the ultimate price. I wanted people to pause and reflect on what that means not only for the individuals but for the families as well. I had a passion to give something back and a chance to do something special. I wanted to do something where I had to sacrifice. I had to walk away from a well-paying job, my wife and my life in Las Vegas. I wanted something that would take a really long time and be difficult. I wanted to go through hometowns and meet the friends and families who know these people best."
Viti wanted to walk one kilometer for one soldier killed in action. Leaning on a growing support system that included his fellow teammates and classmates, he mapped out a 6,830-kilometer trek to honor 6,830 service members who were killed in action.
Beginning in DuPont, Wash., on April 26, 2014, Viti walked across the country, somberly remembering those who fought for freedom, those soldiers and those families. He connected "Gold Star" families, those immediate family members who lost a family member in combat, and heard stories of bravery and selfless service.
For each kilometer he walked, he added their name to an American flag, using 14 in all.
Along the way he picked up crowds, not only his wife and support staff but teammates and classmates, families of veterans and those who wanted to support his cause.
He stopped in San Francisco after then-49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh learned of his mission and Viti addressed the teams' rookies.
The hike was a challenge, a challenge Viti needed to undertake to ensure people remembered. Often times he was alone on side roads, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection and a cot when he was ready to stop for the night.
"Several times I asked myself if I was nuts," Viti chuckles. "My first thought was if I make it to the West Coast, I will be in good shape. All that happened when I got to San Diego was that I was tired and worn out and still had to walk across the country. Several times I took tactical pauses to remember what I was doing and why. The great part was having a cause attached to it and seeing the families and getting their reassurance for what I was doing."
He met thousands of people as he made his way across the country, thankful for someone to open their home or walk along so he could share his cause and hear their stories.
A web site helped track his progress, and he co-founded Legacies Alive with fellow former Army football player Mark Faldowski to raise awareness.
Slowly, but surely he made his way across the country, traveling east until South Carolina and then heading north.
"The hardest part was the emotion toll," Viti reflects. "I didn't think I would connect with as many families as I did and they would impact me so much. Hearing stories of loved ones and what they meant to families was really sad in a lot of ways. The biggest takeway I had was those nearly 7,000 families will forever sacrifice so the rest of the country doesn't have to. They took so much of the burden off of others because their loved ones volunteered for service. Hearing different stories and different backgrounds was so eye-opening and it was all in service to country."
The hike culminated in Baltimore, Md., on Dec. 13, a fitting conclusion to a walk to honor service members just before the start of the Army-Navy game presented by USAA. Viti and his team received a standing ovation when introduced during the contest.
Viti returned to Las Vegas and explored what was next. Law school continued to be a possibility and the University of Las Vegas had accepted him into the program. There was also thought of a master's degree from Johns Hopkins for non-profit management or to explore a coaching career.
Then Viti was invited to serve as an honorary captain of the Black-Gold Game, Army's end of spring scrimmage. Inspired by Monken's desire to improve the Black Knights, his vision for the program and his commitment to building leaders of character, Viti began to consider a return to West Point.
After spending time with Monken at West Point and getting to know the coaching staff, Viti accepted his current role. He returned east, this time driving, for a new opportunity to serve.
Viti is now responsible for working with potential cadet-athletes, serving as an example of what kind of individual the Academy produces. He is also energizing the alumni base, reaching out to former players and sharing Monken's vision for success.
"This was the right choice and one I am passionate about," Viti says. "I want to give back and serve a program that has given me so much. My next career was going to have an impact and include service. That was non-negotiable. And that's what Army Football is. Teaching young boys and turning them into men. Helping a program that has given not only me, but my friends and those before me so much was an easy decision."
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