Team Dover stays tough, ready with PT

  • Published
  • By Airman Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover Airmen are up for the challenge to become 'fit to fight' and shed pounds through the Biggest Winner contest, sponsored by the 436th Aeromedical Dental Squadron Health and Wellness Center.

Airmen and civilians in 20 teams of five are currently in their second week of the contest.

"This contest is to promote healthy lifestyles as well as shedding unwanted winter pounds the healthy way through teamwork and squadron competition," said Nicole Voyer, 436th ADOS HAWC Health Education Program Manager. "We hope that members will take charge of their health and utilize the resources that the HAWC has to offer."

According to Ms. Voyer, individuals may lose up to three pounds every week, losing a total of 25 pounds for the contest. Additional pounds lost will not count.

"This rule is to help prevent people from losing weight in an unhealthy manner," she said. "Losing weight slow and steady will help keep off their weight longer."

Staying fit to fight isn't only for the standard Air Force physical fitness test that comes up every year, but to be prepared all year round.

"The mission demands Airmen to be fit to fight, and America deserves the best fighting forces in the world," said Col. Steven Harrison, 436th Airlift Wing commander.

One Airman is determined to take it to the next level by attempting to run five kilometers, six times a week. So far, the outcome of his success has shown significant results.

Master Sgt. Paul Baker, 436th Medical Operations Squadron, has already lost 10 pounds through the second week of the competition.

"If you're not ready for the physical demands of the mission, the mission will truly suffer," said Sergeant Baker.

The sergeant has deployed three times, and spoke of how pertinent it was to evacuate patients downrange at a hectic pace in order to keep those Airmen alive.

"When I was deployed to Balad (Air Base, Iraq) last year, we moved patients suited up in all of their gear: flak vests with steel plates, Kevlar helmets, all medical equipment such as the cardiac monitors and IV infusion pumps," said Sergeant Baker. "We moved heavy equipment and patients on and off an ambulatory bus to and from the flightline."

Though many Airmen who deployed were in great physical shape, the sergeant said they felt fatigued from the fast-paced environment.

"If you weren't fit to fight, you could jeopardize the mission, lives of other Airmen and delay the emergency process," he said. "It was very physically demanding."

Sergeant Baker said running and exercising with other Airmen during his deployment not only helped him stay in shape, but it also helped relieve stress.

"When there are teammates holding you accountable to be successful, you can win just by working as a team," he said. "Just like in the Air Force, with our motivation and camaraderie combined, we're bound to win."