Landen Conner

Connect What fuels your passion for health and fitness?

Health and fitness are how I live out my responsibility to others. As a future military physician, I believe doctors should model the health they prescribe. Training prepares me to serve soldiers at their worst moments and to lead by example. Through Operation 22, I’ve seen how physical, mental, and spiritual struggle open doors to conversations about mental health, purpose, and hope, especially for veterans who feel forgotten.

What’s your favorite way to train or stay fit?

My favorite training is purposeful suffering: rucking miles in silence or disciplined bodybuilding prep. I was a cross-country runner and collegiate track athlete who placed at the conference level, learning early that growth lives where comfort dies. I’m now preparing for a men’s physique bodybuilding competition, training with the belief that the body is a gift, a temple of the Holy Spirit, to be stewarded with discipline. Under a barbell or a rucksack, I build grit to serve others.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would invest it directly into impact. I’ve pledged $10,000 to the Veterans Victory Alliance, a local organization I trust to deliver support straight to veterans facing suicidal ideation without waste or bureaucracy. The remaining funds would expand my Operation 22 mission, allowing me to purchase more equipment with medical school expenses, reach more people, and have more conversations that save lives. This platform isn’t only about me; it’s about service and stewardship.