McConnell reaches out through fitness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  "Ten seconds left. Five seconds, push, push!" said the fitness assessment cell member with a booming voice.

Adrenaline pumping, Airmen regularly push a little harder to get those last few points of their Air Force fitness test as the time winds down. In this case, however, the FAC member wasn't counting for an Airman, but for fellow Kansan community fitness leaders.

McConnell hosted a Fitness Outreach Lunch March 9, 2010, for 30 Airman and community leaders. The event was part of McConnell's outreach lunches that strive to connect leadership with local community partners.

"We host outreach lunches to get to know community leaders who share many of our goals and challenges," said Sharon Hamric, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Community Relations chief. "Discussing issues and success stories face-to-face gives our civilian counterparts a personal look at who we are, what we're doing here and where we're going, as well as how their tax dollars are being used."
Many fruitful connections, including professional training collaboration, have been initiated at these outreach lunches, said Mrs. Hamric.

The community participants got a glimpse of the Air Force world and its fitness culture during a tour of McConnell's Health and Wellness Center, gym and other fitness facilities.

"It's important that we engage professionally with city leaders and our partners in the fitness and wellness community of Wichita, Kan." said Lou Stadler, 22nd Medical group HAWC director. "Our perspective is unique in that we deal with a captive military clientele, unlike our partners downtown."

Alongside some of McConnell's leading fitness Airmen, Trina Bauer, City of Derby recreation director, took on the PT test.

"After taking the Air Force physical fitness test I feel I have a better appreciation of the physical requirements that Airmen must have," said Mrs. Bauer. "There are many other professions that require personnel to be physically fit, such as firemen and police officers. But I believe, all organizations should have testing criteria similar to the Air Force. Not only because of the testing itself, but the follow up after the initial test and the support given to Airmen to help them reach their fitness goals and achieve higher standards."

At the end of the day, several community leaders got a taste of the Air Force's fitness culture, connected with wing leadership and improved the community, said many of the participants. However, the fitness lunch is just one of several lunches planned for the remainder of the year bringing industry, medical and many more leaders to experience the Air Force mission.

"Sharing challenges and successes with our community counterparts will ultimately strengthen our relationship and create a more sound and effective fitness and wellness environment in Wichita," said Mr. Stadler.