JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Air Force senior leaders continue to emphasize physical fitness. However, the perspective is what's distinctive about this emphasis -- the individual lifelong benefits you, and the Air Force as a byproduct, realize from your fitness. It is a big piece of readiness; being fit means we are more productive in the daily mission. It was great to see so many members of Joint Base Charleston participating in the 33rd Annual Cooper River Bridge Run 10K last Saturday.
Not only is it great from a physical fitness perspective, but it's always good to see members of Team Charleston participating in local community events. Strengthening our partnerships with the local community, Ms. Cheryl Clark, honorary 437th Airlift Wing commander and her daughter Ashley participated in the 10K, donning their 437th Bridge Run T-shirts.
It was impossible to see everyone, but a among the many I did see from the 437 AW were Master Sgt. Jeffrey Faretra, Staff Sgt. Dan Atwell , Senior Airman Kade Benson, Lt. Col. Keith Thibodeaux, Lt. Col. Jim Ackerman, Lt. Col. Tim Howard, Capt. Brook Heiling and his wife, Shannon.
Of course there were many runners from the 628th Air Base Wing including Master Sgt. Chris Boyer, Master Sgt. Marrian James, Master Sgt. Donny Leydig and Lt. Col. Susan Ferrera. From the 628th Medical Group, Senior Airman Kelly Dahlstrand, Lt. Col. Pamela Smith, and 30 more members I'm told showed up Saturday morning full of enthusiasm and wearing custom T-shirts as well.
With the implementation of the revised Air Force fitness program taking place this year, there is an even greater emphasis on year-round health and fitness. Fitness should be a continuous effort, not a bi-annual effort just before your physical fitness test. In regards to the new fitness standards, Gen. Raymond Johns, AMC commander, recently stated that "this change is not about an annual fitness assessment; this is about maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle. Fitness is a force multiplier for both mission readiness and the individual long term well-being of our Airmen -- it is both an individual and supervisor responsibility."
If running isn't one of your favorite things to do to stay in shape, try something more suitable to you for daily fitness -- but participate in something. Thanks to the 628 ABW Force Support Squadron, there are some great options to take advantage of the great spring weather and stay active outside, to include kayaking and canoe trips, and a hiking excursion -- all arranged through our Outdoor Recreation Center. There are also "Get Golf Ready" golf lessons coming up at Wrenwoods Golf Course too.
The bottom line is we all have a personal responsibility to get fit-to-fight and staying fit is a lifestyle which directly reflects in readiness. Our nation, families and squadron mates depend on us to be ready to execute the mission at any time and we must be prepared to answer the call.