LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
With the new year comes resolutions, whether it's losing weight, making more money or finally taking that elusive vacation. For Airmen, 2010 brings a new physical training test, with more rigorous fitness standards.
Four of Team Langley's most motivated Airmen stepped up to the challenge of meeting their fitness goals this year, changing the way they eat and exercise in pursuit of a leaner, healthier physique. The participants established their goals and will pursue them over the coming months, wrapping up May 1. The "Loser" who comes closest to accomplishing their goals will be crowned the winner.
Let's meet "the Losers:"
Maj. Kathryn Bienfang
Air Combat Command Public Affairs
Age: 42
Height: 5 feet, 9 inches
Weight: 193 pounds
Waist: 38 inches
After leaving active-duty in 2004, Major Bienfang joined the Air Force Reserve, working as a contractor. After earning a degree at Old Dominion University and teaching for two years, Major Bienfang wanted to return to active duty. As of summer 2009, she is on duty as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee with ACC Public Affairs.
"I want to do this for myself, my son and the Air Force," she said. "I'm driven, after all the things I've worked for and been through; I am determined to pass the fitness test."
But, she doesn't intend to stop there.
"I've waited many years for the opportunity to be back on active-duty, and now the time is here to do it all and be the very best I can be," the Major said. "I want to be in the type of physical shape that makes others proud to know me and to see me as an example of what is possible when you put your heart into it."
Major Bienfang's goal is to lose 53 pounds, getting back to the weight she was upon entering the Air Force. She plans to run five times per week, starting her workouts at 6 a.m. In addition, she will work with a personal trainer for strength training twice a week, and follow a diet outlined by nutritionists at the Langley Health and Wellness Center.
Master Sgt. Tilo Baisden
480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing Manpower superintendent
Age: 39
Height: 5 feet, 10 inches
Weight: 220 pounds
Waist: 40 inches
Born and raised in Pensacola, Fla., Sergeant Baisden spent more effort on academics than athletics in his youth. He said that after enlisting in the Air Force at age 23 and securing a job in the personnel career field, the only thing lacking focus was his fitness regimen, marginally passing his annual fitness tests.
"I am determined that this is the year I turn the corner," said Sergeant Baisden. "I'm less than five years out from retirement and don't want to be one of those guys who let's himself go after he takes the uniform off."
Sergeant Baisden's goals include losing 20 pounds and three inches off his waistline and improving his PT test run time by two scores. Most importantly, he wants to make fitness a daily priority.
"My wife and I should enjoy our golden years together without being a burden on the health care system," he said.
Staff Sgt. P. Marie Moien
1st Maintenance Group Information Management non commissioned officer in charge
Age: 27
Height: 5 feet, 3 inches
Weight: 186 pounds
Waist: 35 inches
Sergeant Moien said her fitness struggle started in 2002, gaining 86 pounds while pregnant with her first child. A car accident in 2004 left her with a back injury that made conventional PT difficult, but not impossible.
She said she became complacent and made excuses for her inability to lose weight. After losing 30 pounds while on a temporary duty assignment to Washington, D.C., she regained weight upon returning home.
"The desire to lose weight, get in shape and be fit to fight is there," Sergeant Moien said. "I can no longer hide behind my desk and pretend that no one notices that I am not 'fit to fight.'"
Her goals include improving her PT test score by seven points, lowering her cholesterol and losing 30 pounds.
"I cannot set an example and be a model NCO without putting forth 110 percent effort to get the results I should have been getting all along," she said. "I vow that I will meet my goals by the end of this competition."
Senior Airman Tammy Marshall
94th Fighter Squadron Squadron Aviation Resource Management journeyman
Age: 24
Height: 5 feet, 4 inches
Weight: 174 pounds
Waist: 35 inches
Airman Marshall is married with a 20-month old daughter. Much like Sergeant Moien, her struggle with weight began when she was pregnant with her child.
"After giving birth, I was losing weight and trying to stay as active as possible," she said. "Then I hit a brick wall and stopped losing weight, partly due to a profile and medication."
Losing weight isn't the only factor driving Airman Marshall to get in better shape.
"My family has a history of arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes, and I'm next in line to be stricken with those ailments," she said. "Losing weight may help prevent the development of those ailments."
"I want to live to see my daughter grow up to become a successful young woman and have a family of her own," she added.
Airman Marshall's goal is to lose at least 15 pounds by May. In time, she said she wants to get her weight down to 140 pounds, her initial enlistment weight.
"I plan on achieving my goals by hard work and dedication and fulfilling a promise of 'living the right way, the healthy way' to myself and my family," she said."