AFMAO warriors get fit during deployment

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 10 group physical training sessions weekly, and a gym stocked with weight machines and cardio equipment make it possible for personnel deploying to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations to get in shape during their time here.

Two individuals who took advantage of the opportunity were Senior Airman Raymond Soto, deployed here from the 49th Force Support Squadron, Holloman Air Force base, N.M., and Tech. Sgt. Enid J Ellis, from the 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron here at Dover AFB.

Both arrived in September with goals of losing weight. Airman Soto's goal was to lose 15 pounds and Sergeant J Ellis wanted to lose 18 during her time here.

While exercise is a mandatory part of the resiliency program, they each went the extra mile by participating in the Amazing Race challenge.

"The Amazing Race was a great contribution to my routine," said Airman Soto, who logged in more than 221 miles during the cardio journey through Europe. "I've always been an avid runner but before I came here my focus was upper body strength. I love competition, so the amazing race was a huge incentive."

His team placed second in the overall competition.

Sergeant J Ellis completed 110 miles in the Amazing Race. In addition to the miles, she made conscious choices to take the steps instead of the elevator and worked out at least 2-3 times a week and ran twice a week.

The PT program at AFMAO helped Sergeant J Ellis begin the surge toward accomplishing her weight loss goal and improve her fitness for an upcoming PT test under the new fitness standards.

"I scored a 94.8 on my fitness test in January," she said. "I believe if I had not lost the weight my run would have been a lot harder to pass carrying 140 pounds."

Airman Soto said cardio exercises became his vice. They helped him almost double his weight loss goal of 15 to 28. He's always had a passion for running which helps him relieve stress, but he added jumping rope and several ab workouts to his tool belt.

For both individuals, it wasn't just about working out. They each incorporated changes in their diet as well.

Sergeant J Ellis changed her eating habits completely by cutting out junkfood and sweets, and limiting her consumption of bread. She opted for healthy choices like salads for meals and fruit for breakfast.

"I also cut down on the portions of food I ate," she said.

The empty calories in sugared drinks are what Airman Soto chose to eliminate from his diet. He rarely drank soda or sugared drinks during his time here to help meet his weight-loss goal.

He knew in order to meet his goal he needed to stay focused.

"Commit to what you are striving to achieve," he encouraged others. "If you cheat, you only cheat yourself ... everything is in your grasp when motivation is applied."

Sergeant J Ellis echoed the need to have a goal and stay focused.

"Place it front of you all the time," she said. "Write it down and post it on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, dashboard of your car or at your desk at work. You will never forget it."

"I feel stupendous," said Sergeant J Ellis, whose weight loss has improved her happiness and pride she has in herself.

"It has certified what I have known about myself all along: That I love who I am and am in tune with who I am. I am comfortable in my own skin."

There is one drawback to losing weight Airman Soto recently discovered.

"I feel pretty good actually, but I'm going to have to buy new clothes to compliment my size."