Where did you serve and what did you do?

I served 22 years in the USAF and retried in 2022. I have been on multiple combat deployments to include support with ARMY and Navy Special Forces. I was an air traffic controller and also a paralegal.

How are you Still Serving?

Still Serving: From Rock Bottom to Rising Up for Others Nikki Allmann, Founder – Workout Warrior Foundation | Co-owner – Warrior Axe CrossFit There was a moment in my life when I had a gun to my head. After 22 years of military service, countless combat deployments, raising a family through it all, and enduring over 29 surgeries, I hit rock bottom. The pain—both physical and emotional—was overwhelming. I didn’t think I could go on. But by the grace of God, I did. And I made a vow: No one should ever feel that alone again. That moment became the foundation of everything I do now. I founded the Workout Warrior Foundation and co-own Warrior Axe CrossFit with one goal: to create a safe, supportive community where people can rebuild their lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally—through movement, connection, and purpose. What began as a mission to serve veterans and first responders has grown into something even bigger. Because trauma doesn’t just happen on the battlefield—it happens in homes, hospitals, fire stations, and everyday life. We’ve expanded our reach to serve anyone struggling with trauma, disability, or mental health challenges. But at our core, we remain committed to those who’ve served and sacrificed. Through adaptive fitness programs, trauma-informed wellness coaching, and inclusive community events, we empower individuals of all abilities to rediscover their strength. We run donation-based workouts, support groups, and are actively working toward launching a mobile fitness and wellness trailer to bring these life-changing services to underserved and rural communities across South Carolina and beyond. At Warrior Axe CrossFit, we’ve built more than a gym—we’ve built a family. Veterans, first responders, caregivers, and civilians all sweat side-by-side, proving that healing happens together. It’s not about lifting the most weight—it’s about knowing someone has your back when life gets heavy. As a proud member of VFW Post 11079, I may have traded my uniform for gym gear, but I’m still serving—every day. And I’ll keep showing up for our heroes, and for anyone who needs a place to belong, until no one has to fight alone.

Why do you do it?

It is in my blood to help. I have always done my best to take care of everyone from family to the people that I supervised to my gym family. I know what it is like to feel alone with no support. I cannot stand by and watch my brothers and sisters feel this way and lose their battle.