People were sweating it out today at CrossFit Smithtown in honor of a fallen soldier who was a Long Island native.

Staff Sgt. Alex Viola, 29, was killed by an IED in Afghanistan back in November.

Viola's aunt, Nancy Etherson, put together today's fundraiser in his honor. She says her nephew was born in Smithtown and moved to Texas when he was 9 years old, and had always dreamed of serving in the military.

Etherson says Viola loved CrossFit, so it was an appropriate way to honor him.

All of the money raised today will be donated to the Green Beret Foundation, which Viola had mentioned specifically in his will. The foundation helps families who have lost loved ones on active duty.