Photo By Staff Sgt. Dilia Ayala | Led by Maj. Jeff Queen, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron director of...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – "We are changing the culture of the Air Force," said former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper. "This is about our preparedness to deploy and fight. It's about warriors. It is about instilling an expectation that makes fitness a daily standard - an essential part of your service."
In 2004, Gen. Jumper began a significant Air Force cultural change with the "Fit to Fight" program, charging Airmen at all levels with creating an Air Force culture of fitness.
Today, Airmen here are constantly working to maintain the "Fit to Fight" concept, ensuring combat readiness and mission accomplishment.
"Daily, here at JBB [Joint Base Balad] and around the rest of the AOR [area of responsibility], Airmen are putting themselves in harm's way whether that's outside the wire, in an aircraft overhead, or even monitoring the network from the communications squadron," said Maj. Jeff Queen, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron director of operations. "Remaining physically fit allows us to fulfill our duties to the base and Air Force."
Staff Sgt. Mister Raby, 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron maintainer, deployed here from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, concurred: "Fitness is a vital part of effective mission accomplishment. Being physically fit promotes health, vitality, well-being, vigor, endurance, and strength, which ultimately helps you physically and mentally focus on the tasks at hand while in a deployed environment."
"Being in tip-top shape while being deployed gives me the extra energy to work 12 hours a day, six days a week," added the sergeant from New Bern, N.C. "It also lowers my stress level in this high-stress, high-tempo environment."
In an effort to aid Airmen in maintaining their "Fit to Fight" lifestyle and de-stress when needed, fitness and recreation centers across JBB offer a variety of classes and fitness equipment for servicemembers of all fitness levels and interests, from step aerobics and yoga, to CrossFit and spin.
Overall, Airmen here appreciate the opportunity to take part in the classes offered.
"There are numerous classes at the various fitness centers with different approaches to one central focus – being physically fit," said Maj. Queen, a volunteer fitness instructor here who is deployed from Keesler AFB, Miss. "Airmen should take the time to find a class that interests them and make a commitment to consistent attendance."
Senior Airman Carl Christian, 332nd ESFS force-protection augmentee, did just that, attending one of the courses offered at the Red Tail Fitness Center.
"The only class I have had a chance to participate in is the CrossFit class," said Airman Christian. "I've really enjoyed this class because the instructor really does a good job of pushing you to try and obtain the highest level of fitness that you are capable of.
"I think that maintaining a 'Fit to Fight' lifestyle is extremely important while you are deployed," added the Airman deployed here from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "Working in the AOR can cause a lot of stress both mentally and physically; keeping a good workout plan and diet can really help prevent a lot of those stresses."
Some Airmen here choose to exceed the standard by setting personal fitness goals beyond the Air Force fitness requirements while they are deployed here.
"The biggest goal that I have during this deployment is to get rid of the bulk that I have put on over the last few years," said Sgt. Raby. "When I came here, I weighed 217 pounds. My desire is to weigh 185 pounds before I leave the AOR. Right now, I am at 198 pounds, with two-and-a-half months to go, so there is no reason why I cannot reach this goal."
Maj. Queen said his personal goal is to do 20 legitimate pull-ups, work out five days a week and do a handstand with no help.
Whether Airmen here work out to simply fulfill their required fitness standard, relieve stress, or achieve a specific fitness goal, all agree that being physically fit is first and foremost a personal responsibility.
"I believe that the significance of a 'Fit-to-Fight' lifestyle varies with each individual," said Sgt. Raby. "Just because we are in a deployed location does not mean that we can let our fitness slip. Being physically fit is part of effective mission accomplishment; therefore it is each individual's responsibility to make sure that they are doing something to stay in shape."
"Everyone has a personal responsibility to maintain or increase their physical fitness while deployed," said Maj. Queen, a native of Montgomery, Ala. "They should also look to motivate those around them, whether it's their subordinates or supervisors. Anyone can motivate others to achieve and maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. Achieving and maintaining a 'Fit to Fight' lifestyle is vitally important for every Airman, especially those of us here in the AOR."
| Date Taken: | 04.07.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2009 10:09 |
| Story ID: | 32117 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 430 |
| Downloads: | 363 |
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