According to Merriam-Webster, adversity is defined as a state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune. It is something most people will face at some point in their life whether civilian or service member.

Amira Sixkiller and her husband Dustin Sixkiller, owners of Project Sixkiller Performance, are all too familiar with the term. Amira Sixkiller was a midshipman when she was discharged from the Navy after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer.

Amira Sixkiller didn't let this unfortunate turn of events crush her spirits. Instead, the Sixkillers faced this adversity head-on, and pursued their dream of opening a gym dedicated to powerlifting.

"We have a passion for the sport," said Amira Sixkiller. "We wanted somewhere people could come and workout without all of the drama, and that was lift-oriented."

The Sixkillers motivate service members to be their best self, and push through any challenges they face.

For Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Will Workman, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), and a member of Project Sixkiller Performance, meeting the Sixkillers changed his life.

"When I got back from deployment, I was about 155-160 pounds," said Workman. "I was unhealthy. I had a case of what I like to call 'feeling sorry for myself.' I was letting all the bad affect the good. I wanted to make gains and challenge myself."

Aware of the goals Workman wanted to reach, a friend pointed him in the direction of the Sixkillers.

"I literally ran outside the gym and chased them down," said Workman. "At that time Dustin, Amira and I were members of a gym called Brute Strength. I talked to Dustin and Amira, and they got me on the right track with diet and technique."
After learning Amira Sixkiller and Dustin Sixkiller's story, and seeing how positive they are on a daily basis, Workman recognized he could learn some things from them.

"Working with Amira was such a humbling experience," said Workman. "It took me forever to be able to deadlift more than her. This was the direction I needed. After I realized this, my personal and professional life improved. Not only was I stronger, but after taking the advancement exam for E-5 five times, and missing it by one or two points, I finally crushed it by 25 points. I received an EP [early promote] two times in a row, and became one of the top technicians."

Project Sixkiller Performance fosters a positive atmosphere. It is an environment like no other gym because the owners have one thing in common with the majority of their patrons; serving their country in the Navy. Dustin Sixkiller is currently assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic.

"We know what it's like," said Dustin Sixkiller. "Powerlifting keeps me sane in this crazy world."

With 15 years of service, and counting, Sixkiller has faced his fair share of adversity as well.

"We recognize the importance of being able to blow off steam, especially since my husband faces issues with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]," said Amira Sixkiller. "We wanted a place where people could come in and feel comfortable. We wanted somewhere that people could be themselves and talk to others about anything."

Despite what may go on in the Sixkiller's lives, they are constantly thinking about others.

"Our goal is to build relationships," said Amira Sixkiller. "We know just about everyone by name. It's like a family here. We don't want anyone to feel like they are just a number."

The Sixkillers' warm spirits and kind hearts draw in Sailors from the Hampton Roads area. With Amira Sixkiller being a national title holder and Dustin Sixkiller being a state title holder, they never let their egos get in the way of helping their fellow shipmates, or anyone else for that matter.

"It was amazing to me that someone of their stature in the powerlifting world would take the time to help me out," said Workman about the Sixkillers. "Realizing how they've overcome adversity made me realize I needed to stop complaining and begin listening to others. I needed to pay attention to the advice the people around me were giving."

Amira Sixkiller has been cancer free since 2013, and the two are expecting their first child.

For more information about Project Sixkiller visit their website http://www.ProjectSixKiller.com. Sailors may also find mental health help, from resources such as Fleet and Family Support Center, or via their command psychologist or chaplains.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/.