127th Wing Airmen Certified as Physical Training Leaders

  • Published
  • By TSgt. Dan Heaton
  • 127th Wing Public Affairs
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  They could talk about it all day, but the bottom line is simple: get moving.

Three Citizen-Airmen from the 127 Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base were recently certified as Physical Training Leaders after attending a class at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

"We could talk about fitness all day, the biggest thing though is to start exercising," said Staff Sgt. James Mack, who earned the certificate along with fellow 127th Security Forces Squadron Airmen Staff Sgt. Eric McCulley and Technical Sgt. Janice Stockett. Mack was also recently appointed the wing's fitness program manager at Selfridge. "Getting your heart rate up, burning calories - that's the key."

During the training, the three Airmen learned 22 different high-intensity, low-impact exercises to help guide a person toward a physically fit lifestyle and also gained insight on nutrition and diet concerns.

"If you are getting 15-20 minutes of high-intensity exercise four or five times a week and making sure your diet is right, you will be on the right track," said McCulley.

Physical fitness has become an increasingly important aspect of life in the Air National Guard as commanders and other leaders have placed an increased emphasis on fitness standards over the past couple of years.

"Across the wing, fitness is a priority," said Master Sgt. Richard Gordon, who is in the process of transitioning from serving as the first sergeant of the 127th SFS to the first sergeant of 127th Wing headquarters. "Security Forces Airmen should be leading the way on fitness. And if we are leading, we want to take advantage of the training to make sure we are leading people in the right direction."

Stockett said she was eager for the opportunity to take the fitness class at Wright-Patterson.

"Any time you get assigned to a duty, you want to be able to do it to the best of your ability," Stockett said. "Getting training and additional knowledge helps you to perform that duty."

Stocket, Mack and McCulley are believed to be the first Airmen in the 127th Wing to become certified as physical training leaders.