Marines pump it up at Slightly Above Average Joe's Gym

Photo By Cpl. Jo Jones | Capt. Michael Aldridge, a logistics officer with Multi-National Force-West, lifts weights at "Slightly Above Average Joe's Gym" aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 11, 2009. The new gym, which opened less than a month ago, contains free-weights, cardio machines and an open area for service members participating in Cross Fit or the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

06.17.2009

Story by Cpl. Jo Jones 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —Marines have always found a way to accomplish the mission at hand and still meet the Marine Corps' high standards, regardless of the resources available to them at any given time. Marines aboard Al Asad Air Base are no different — pumping it up at a new work-out facility that opened less than a month ago — "Slightly Above Average Joe's Gym."

The building is located within the Multi-National Force - West headquarters compound, and was originally intended for office space. After senior military leaders and contractors assessed the costs and timeline, however, it was converted into a gym, replacing a smaller gym in the compound known as "Average Joe's Gym" (which pays homage to the fictional gym ran by Vince Vaughn in the 2004 movie "Dodgeball").

"We decided to use this space to benefit the Marines and service members within the MEF compound area," said Master Sgt. Frank Long, logistics chief for II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), and one of the Marines in charge of the gym's operations. "Physical training is great for physical health, mental health and camaraderie throughout individual sections within individual units."

Doug Straw, a facilities planner with Multi-National Force - West facilities section, said sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 refurbished the building's interior by installing air conditioning units, setting up the lights and electrical outlets, and laying down the floor. Afterward, Marines with II MHG (Fwd) moved in free weights and exercise machines. They also created an open space using gym mats for those service members participating in Cross Fit or the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

"There is a nice area in a good, cool, air conditioned facility for the Marines to come in and get their MCMAP training [hours] that are required by the Marine Corps," said Master Sgt. Troy Moore, an logistician with MNF-W. "The Marines can progress into their different belt levels that they are required to maintain and sustain on a yearly basis."

Capt. Michael Aldridge, a logistics officer with MNF-W who works out at Slightly Above Average Joe's Gym several times a week, says he enjoys the close proximity of the gym to his work place. He added that opening a new gym reflects the Marine Corps' emphasis on combat readiness and mission accomplishment.

"It sets the tone that no matter where the Marine Corps is, whether during redeployment or retrograde operations, physical fitness is still important," said Aldridge. "Even though [the war in Iraq] is ending, we always have to be ready for other operations that are continuing or beginning."

• Date Taken: 06.17.2009
• Date Posted: 06.17.2009 05:39
• Story ID: 35204
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ