Offutt squadron commits to being fit

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Regular physical activity plays an important role in being a resilient Airman, but it's not always easy to find the motivation to get out there and do it. The 55th Intelligence Support Squadron at Offutt AFB seems to have found the secret to success.

Over the past year, the 55th ISS has managed to post some of the highest physical fitness testing scores on base, while converting 'Average Joe' runners into 'Marathon Maniac' runners.

According to statistics provided by Offutt's Fitness Assessment Center, approximately 92 percent of Offutt members passed the fitness test over the last two years. The 55th ISS, which is one of the largest squadrons in the wing, has achieved an astonishing 99.7 percent passing rate during this same time. Nearly three out of four members are scoring a 90 or higher on their tests, qualifying them for an excellent rating.

Much of this success can be attributed to initiatives started by squadron members.

A running club and marathon team organized by Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Poole-Knight last year has helped some squadron members accomplish physical feats they never thought were possible. Before joining the club, most of the team members ran just enough to pass the 1.5-mile timed run required by the Air Force physical fitness test - now they are running marathons.

"I went from not being able to run two miles to being able to run 26 miles," said Master Sgt. Ronald Herndon.

Herndon, who didn't start running competitively until two years ago, is now one of the fastest long-distance runners in the squadron. Herndon ran the Omaha Marathon in September and qualified for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3 hours, 8 minutes.

In all, 14 members from the 55th ISS, including Herndon, completed this year's Omaha Marathon. Other squadron members have also set their own personal running goals.

Marathon team member Tech. Sgt. Carlos Centeno has ran eight marathons this year, which included back-to-back marathons totaling 52.4 miles in two days. That qualified him for 'Insane Asylum' status in the 'Marathon Maniacs' international running club.

"I ran the Air Force Marathon on Sept. 21 - flew back from Dayton - got in at 10 p.m. - I think I ate something with some friends - woke up on the next morning on Sept. 22 - and ran the [Omaha Marathon]," Centeno said.

The non-runners in the 55th ISS are posting excellent test scores as well. Poole says their fitness program uses different incentives to help motivate their personnel. All squadron members are required to meet together on Tuesdays for physical training, but those who achieve excellent fitness ratings are given the flexibility to choose their own workout routines on the other days.

With the type of workouts they're doing on Tuesdays, it's easy to understand their motivation.

"Our Tuesday fitness is crazy," Poole said. "We don't do typical sit-ups, push-ups and - okay, let's run. We do Cross Fit exercises - tons of squats and lunges. You'll be sore after Tuesday PT in our squadron."

After talking with some of the 55th ISS members, it seems the secret hinges around building a culture of physical fitness within their organization. They say that supportive leadership along with positive encouragement by peers in setting and achieving personal goals has been a big part of their success.

"You're always competing against yourself," said Staff Sgt. William Rozman. "With our [running club], I never felt obligated to try and keep up...I knew what my times and goals were, so I kept trying to push those."

"You go out for a 20-mile run and it's harsh," Poole said. "But half the people who are out there that day are doing it...and we never leave anyone behind. Whether you finish first or last at the end, everyone is still there waiting for you. It's more than just being about fitness. It's about team building and what's really important, which is teamwork; sticking together and making sure that everyone meets their goal."

Rozman, who will take over the running club for Poole, said he's excited about the future of the club, and hopes to increase the team's success by extending their summer-only training plan to a year-round plan. He also plans to enter a team in at least three marathons next year.