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Helping those who help themselves

By Senior Airman Stephanie Sauberan, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published December 03, 2013

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Members of the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center staff at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., work every day to assist Airmen and their families in maintaining healthy lifestyles and staying fit to fight.

"The way the staff works together and the teamwork here have both been very positive for me," said Judy LaRue, 5th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports director.

At the fitness center, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Johnson and Tech. Sgt Jeremy Schlegemilch, 5th FSS Fitness Assessment Cell, are currently the only two noncommissioned officers working in the FAC and function as team leaders for the staff and their Airmen.

"We make sure that we constantly keep each other in the loop on all important information," said Schlegemilch.

Although the FAC is short manned, Johnson and Schlegemilch are not alone on the fitness center team, Schlegemilch explained. They are assisted by a team of Airmen, which includes Tech. Sgt. Britt Yale, 5th FSS noncommissioned officer in charge of fitness and sports.

"I am able to highlight the importance of our job to my Airmen by instilling in them what our mission at Minot entails," said Yale.

Not only those working in the fitness center but all Airmen should remember the important role they play every day, which is even more important when deployed, said Yale. By keeping individual contributions in mind, the fitness center team can remain motivated.

In addition to motivating their Airmen, the staff of the fitness center also work together to ensure they adhere to current Air Force Fitness Instructions and guidance for fitness testing, Yale added. The Air Force has seen myriad of changes to the Fitness Assessment System, and one of the duties of the staff at McAdoo is to ensure Airmen understand the most current guidance.

Minot AFB is a place where members come to the fitness center not only to remain in shape, but also to begin a plan to get to where they want to be both physically and nutritionally, said Johnson. The fitness center offers a variety of activities for Airmen to participate in to help achieve and maintain their goals.

"My favorite part of the job is leading events and training, for I get to assist people and provide some recreation support, while also helping them stay fit," said Johnson. "In the end, this helps me as well."

Nearly everyone needs help and encouragement sometimes, and being able to offer that to individuals brings a greater sense of satisfaction in the job, said Johnson. The fitness center serves as a hub, promoting a sense of community while enhancing individual fitness and health.

"I am in a position where I can coordinate with members across the base quite often, and it's awesome to feel as if you are having a great effect on people," said Johnson.

The fitness center can be a great way to connect with people with similar goals, said Johnson. A team with shared objectives will continue to motivate members who may otherwise need it.

"It starts with coming in on time and with a smile, followed by not allowing customers to ruin your day, and ending with a thankfulness that another day has passed with you in it," said Johnson. "Our time and life is temporary, but what we do with it will be remembered and cherished."
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