Meet the 12 blue-collar workers getting their hands dirty for a $200,00 cash prize on CBS' newest reality series of the summer, Tough as Nails.

CBS' latest reality series, Tough as Nails, debuted July 8, rescuing the network's summer competition line-up as Big Brother and The Amazing Race are currently on hiatus. The new competition series follows 12 blue-collar Americans as they endure challenges that test both their physical and mental toughness to earn a $200,000 grand prize.

Host and executive producer Phil Keoghan scoured the nation along a six-stop, nationwide casting tour, handpicking the best of the best to put their strength to the challenges inspired by their back-breaking careers. Working in trades like fishery and firefighting, this show's contestants are no stranger to a hard day's work. Meet the contestants breaking away from their daily routine for a shot to make it big on screens across the country.

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A firefighter from Virginia, Young An works long hours day in and day out to protect his community in times of need. Young's parents immigrated from South Korea to the states to provide their family with a better life, and their sacrifice and determination is the source of his strong work ethic. Using the teamsmanship, physical strength, and ability to perform under pressure garnered from his line of work, Young hopes to take home the cash prize, and use it to pay off is parent's debts as a thank you for the life they've given him.

Danny Moody is a third-generation drywaller, and is responsible for hanging and drying the drywall in houses during construction. Quick to describe himself as competitive, Danny entered the competition to prove that even a shorter guy like himself could be the toughest in a room. When he isn't pulling 12 hour shifts to provide for his family, Danny often volunteers his skills for Habitat for Humanity projects. His dedication to an honest, blue-collar lifestyle and endurance from hanging drywall will be useful talents in his fight for the title.

Farming runs in Melissa Burns' family, and she wouldn't want it any other way. She was raised on a farm, married a farmer, and plans to continue the tradition as long as she can keep up with the work. Proud to be the hands producing America's food, Melissa treasures her work, even if does force her to wake up at the crack of dawn. Relying on her farm-raised muscles and and get it done attitude to edge out the competition, she wants to show the nation how tough farmers (especially female farmers) can be.

Linnett Key's inspiring journey from homelessness to home-ownership already proves that she has a tough and resilient spirit. The welder and single mother of four works two jobs to provide for her three sons and daughter. No matter what challenges the show throws at her, Linnett said in the premiere that she wouldn't give up, hoping that her stubborn dedication to persevere will show her kids what true strength and heart looks like.

Kelly Murphy is the only military man on the cast, having recently retired from decades long service with the U.S. Marine Corps to spend more time with his family. Now, he heads theMilitaryand Veterans Center at the University of Central Missouri. His work hard, work together attitude proves that you can take the man out of the Marines, but you can't take the Marines out of the man. Even though he's one of the older competitors at 47, his muscles alone signal that he's a force to be reckoned with.

Linda Goodridge is a jack of all trades juggling three jobs: deputy sheriff jailer, wellness coach, and roofing company employee. Her daily routine always includes a good workout, the results of which are bound to come in handy when competing to be the toughest of all Americans. As a deputy sheriff jailer, Linda provides order and safety to female inmates, and despite the hardships that come along with the position, she said in the premiere that helping someone turn their life around makes it all worth it.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Luis and his family relocated to the Bronx when he was in elementary school. His mother single-handedly provided for and raised Luis and his six siblings, instilling a strong work ethic in Luis from a young age. Despite his model-level looks, he currently works as a scaffolder, suspended tens of floors up on construction sites. Tough as Nails is yet another exhilarating experience for Luis, who hopes to bring home the win for his children.

The oldest competitor at 62, Michelle Kiddy is competing to fight against the sexism and ageism thrown towards mature women everywhere. A ray on sunshine on the cast and real life, Michelle does her best to ensure great customer service and safety for commuters an airport gate agent. Her position entails many duties, including passenger check-in, tagging bags, keeping track of crew and paperwork, and resolving client complaints. At a little over five feet, Michelle packs big fight into a small package.

Land Ho! Callie Cattle left the high seas to compete on soil against the best of the best (according to Phil Keoghan). She is a commercial fisherman and diver in Alaska, following her father in his line of work. Living without a shower and bathroom while at sea has enabled Callie to adapt to uncomfortable situations, and the teamwork necessary to keep the crew safe won't be wasted in Tough as Nails team challenges.

Myles Polk works as a forestry technician in Tuskegee, Alabama, patrolling the woods to monitor sapling growth, extinguish fires, and handle whatever else the great outdoors sends his way. He's certainly gained physical toughness from the active nature of his work and lifestyle, but Myles believes true toughness comes from the heart and mind. As afianc and father, Myles wants to bring home the $200,000 bacon to offer his family a better life.

Don't let Tara Davis' blonde hair and small frame fool you she came to win and leave everything on the field. Working as an iron worker, an industry with only 1% women, Tara is used to excelling past other's expectations. The long hours and demanding work coupled with raising four children, one of which being diagnosed with autism, has afforded Tara both the physical and mental fortitude necessary to be a real threat in the competition.

Lee Marshall, a roofer from St. Louis, claims to have installed over 10,000 roofs during his career, lugging hundreds to thousands of pounds of material in the average workday. Having always worked hard for his money, he is ready to shed blood, sweat, and tears during his tenure on Tough as Nails. Lee doesn't think his age, 61, will get in the way of winning the competition for his family back home. If anything, it gives decades of endurance and experience on the job gives him an edge over the younger contestants.

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Kennedy Hill is a pop culture writer whose first words are rumored to be "pass me the remote." An avid fan of all things Marvel, Real Housewives and whatever convoluted film Christopher Nolan releases, she writes about her TV obsessions from Los Angeles. She began writing about all things film as a college arts reporter (go bruins!) and has since spread her obsessive ramblings to various publications. When she isn't arguing about multiverse theories or the latest anime lineup, she fills her time with overpriced sushi and Schitt's Creek reruns.

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