Comptroller member gains, maintains physical health

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  By budgeting her time and effort, one financial analyst rose to the fitness challenge and finished with an excellent on her recent test in December 2010.

Two months before her June 2010 physical training test, Staff Sgt. Sara Margaret Luna, 22nd Comptroller Squadron, did not feel she was at the peak of her physical health due to a recent pregnancy.

"I knew I had a test coming up, so I took the initiative and self-enrolled in the fitness center's Boot Camp class prior to my next test," said Sergeant Luna. "I couldn't have done it without the support of Staff Sgt. Nichole Evenson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Chapel resource support NCOIC, who I enrolled with."

During the next two months before her scheduled tests, Sergeant Luna faced obstacles but was able to conquer them with the encouragement of Tony Digregorio, 22nd Force Support Squadron test administrator, said Sergeant Luna.

"For two months I did Boot Camp Monday through Friday, while doing the finance job, being a Director of Staff administrator and a single mother," she said. "I am glad that I had leaders willing to help by giving me time to work out."

As she continued to attend the Boot Camp class, and saw pounds slip off, she remembered the reason why she had to continue.

"Kristin, my daughter, was my drive to get healthy," said Sergeant Luna. "I wanted to be able to play with her and chase after her without being out of breath."

After having gone through the Boot Camp class, Sergeant Luna passed her next test with a 78.05 in June. Having passed her test, she relaxed her fitness for the next few months and worked out with her squadron four times a week.

"Through those 5 1/2 months, I improved in almost every category and with the support of Staff Sgt. Ebony Martin, 22nd CPTS financial analyst, I was able to score an excellent," said Sergeant Luna.

By December, Sergeant Luna had lost 1.5 inches on her waist, added 10 pushups and five more sit-ups to her physical fitness test. She maintained her fitness with her squadron, ripping through abdominals or running three miles.

"The focus [of unit PT] is the three parts of the PT test: the abs, pushups and running," said Maj. Darrin DeReus, 22nd CPTS commander. "Fitness isn't just about passing that test once or twice a year, it's about making yourself healthier for you and your family, and setting the example for your brothers, sisters, children or fellow Airmen."

However, the effects of her accomplishments weren't seen until December's test, said Major DeReus.

"Sergeant Luna is always a positive person, but you can tell that the goal of breaking 90 in December, and achieving it, made her realize that she can do anything she sets out to do," said Major DeReus. "She achieved this goal and has already set a path to meet new goals surpassing her current score, and I know she'll achieve it."

According to Sergeant Luna, she will continue her path to improve fitness for her daughter and all those that support her.