FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Health is more than a state of mind, as Soldiers discovered during an eight-week wellness challenge that involved the 82nd Sustainment Brigade and two of its units " 126 Transportation Company and Company B (Signal). A total of 301 servicemembers and their Families participated in the program, with 39 logging perfect attendance and 93 attending seven or more wellness classes.
Participants completed the program on May 24 and attended an award ceremony on the afternoon of May 26. In addition to congratulating the entire team of participants, chain-of-command also recognized the outstanding achievements of the top six contenders in each unit.
A number of agencies provided health tips during the challenge, which was designed to improve the mental and physical lifestyles of a military culture " one that aims to be Army Strong.
Womack Army Medical Center nutrition services, Fort Bragg dental activity and WAMC preventive medicine were some of the departments involved. Classes from improving physical fitness to tobacco reduction and critical success factors were covered during the two-month challenge.
Soldiers also tracked their exercise, logged results and discussed strategies for better Family relationships, which gave them a well-rounded wellness education. WAMC’s nutrition services department discussed the benefits of good food choices and eating habits, including the incorporation of vegetables and fruits in the daily diet.
According to Capt. Joy Thomas, 126 TC company commander, the challenge boosted morale and provided a wealth of fitness information. “It’s opened their eyes to what they need to achieve in their personal, professional and wellness goals, and what the Army and Fort Bragg has to offer them and their Families to achieve those goals,” Thomas said.
“The wellness center for one, it’s a huge investment that the Army has put into (the installation) " we had no idea it was here,” added Thomas.
The average time in service for Co. B is 5.5 years and 6.9 years for 126 Trans. Co. Soldiers. The average body mass index decreased from 27.4 to 27.1 during the program and total visits to helping agencies (during that time) logged in at nearly 4,000.
The 126 TC provides line hauling goods and equipment for Fort Bragg and theater, and Co. B provides communications for the brigade and battalion when deployed as well as daily equipment checks, according to Sgt. Reshema Sherlock, noncommissioned officer in charge, 82nd Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office.
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