LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 633d Force Support Squadron recently concluded the 2010 Langley's Biggest Loser program in April, one of several "Year of the Air Force Family" initiatives. The program, which launched in January, has become a staple for fitness and recreation programs throughout the Air Force. The goal of this year's program was to encourage individuals and families to lose weight, adopt healthier lifestyles and strive to improve their overall fitness.
The program consisted of scheduled, organized and supervised fitness programs, including exercise, diet and other areas designed to modify an individual's lifestyle. The program started with individual and team registrations, as trainers weighed, measured and photographed participants to provide a starting reference point.
Trainers offered a variety of activities and instruction to help participants meet their goals, including 5K runs, equipment orientations, fitness and nutrition classes, boot camps, TRX classes, running clinics and personal training sessions. Participants conducted weekly weigh-ins in order to chart their improvement. While many showed improvement, others were disappointed with their inability to shed pounds quickly. The 633 FSS fitness staff provided a caring shoulder and sound advice to the discouraged, promoting camaraderie and encouragement.
The "warrior spirit" came to life during Boot Camp week, entire week of high-intensity, heart-pounding fitness training. Participants trudged through rain, sleet, snow and freezing cold temperatures as early as 6 a.m. to stay on track.
Two outstanding participants truly demonstrated the "wingman concept" throughout the competition. Each morning, the squadron's own Peggy "PJ" Jones came out chanting "Feel good!" The group would respond, "Real good!" Her positive energy helped many boot camp participants battle through inclement weather and sweat-draining workouts.
Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Drake, 735th Supply Chain Management Group first sergeant, placed first in every Biggest Loser 5K race. His enthusiasm proved motivating to all who followed him, earning him the honor of finishing first overall in the men's category with a total of 38.9 pounds lost, a whopping 23 percent of his body weight.
Staff Sgt. Maura Johnson, Air Combat Command, showed up at every event filled with courage and determination. Johnson finished first place among women, losing an amazing 33 pounds. These two participants symbolized the attitude and desire of all our participants.
"The most positive result for me is the entire lifestyle change that occurred," said Johnson. "Now instead of sleeping in on the weekends, my husband and I are up and out by 7 a.m. doing things like 5K runs or events like the Fitness Extravaganza with both of our children."
In addition to losing weight and building a healthier lifestyle, the winners received $100 AAFES gift cards, courtesy of the 633 FSS marketing department and their sponsors. The Defense Commissary Agency supported every Biggest Loser 5K race by providing oranges and bananas at the finish line.
The 2010 Langley Biggest Loser program's success extends beyond support from the command -- the partnership of the participants, supervisors, dependents, friends and the entire Langley community came together to change lives. The participants collectively lost more than 1,600 pounds, a testament to their enthusiasm and desire to improve their life through healthy lifestyle changes.
"Winning the contest may not have gotten me to my true weight loss goal, but it was definitely the boost I needed to keep me going," Johnson said. "I feel like if I can do this, I can do anything."