Team Dover gets fit in July

  • Published
  • By 1Lt Sarah E. Bergstein
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Airlift Wing is gearing up to dedicate the month of July to a number of different fitness events and challenges beginning July 1, 2015, here.

This initiative, named Fit4Freedom, will commence with a 24/7 fitness center access registration drive that will continue for the entire month where Team Dover members are encouraged to stop by the fitness center and have their IDs enabled for round-the-clock access to the facility.

"Performing and excelling in physical activities is part of our Air Force culture and a critical component of being combat-ready Airmen," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "As our CSAF recently said, 'Our job is to fight and win the nation's wars. We'll never be good enough at it; we've got to get better every day.'

"Physical fitness gives us the confidence to do our job well and requires aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility, and a healthy body composition," said Grismer. "Achieving PT excellence does not happen by chance, rather it calls for a deliberate plan of exercise, nutrition, and training. Fortunately, Team Dover is uniquely equipped with the best PT facilities and programs in AMC. The goal of our July awareness month is to increase awareness of these amazing fitness opportunities for our teammates and their families."

Additional fitness events throughout the month of July include a special ops challenge, wingman day sports day, youth sideline sports camp, wing warrior run, softball spirit day, resiliency fair, and a 24-hour squadron relay for fitness event, among others.

"This is going to be a really good month," said Capt. Joseph Andersen, 436th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander. "We're trying to give people a number of ways to get out there and be active."

Andersen said that about 1,300 people are currently registered for 24/7 fitness center access, and their goal is to double that number throughout the month of July.

"This is not just about fitness, but the whole resilient Airmen concept. Fit4Freedom is a great initiative to get Team Dover moving and keep everyone active during the summer months and beyond," said Andersen.

The 436th Force Support Squadron is leading the charge for this initiative with support from several agencies across the installation, such as the Health Promotion flight, that provides Team Dover a number of options across the mental, physical, spiritual, and social pillars of Comprehensive Airmen Fitness. 

"Like" the "Dover AFB Sports and Fitness Center" Facebook page to receive updates on events and information and to accept daily Fit4Freedom fitness challenges throughout the month of July. For questions or additional information, contact the fitness center at (302)-677-3962.