Fit program betters Fort Sill Garrison personnel

By Kevin Young, Fort Sill webmasterJuly 3, 2014

Fitness
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SILL, Okla. (July 3, 2014) -- Don't expect quick customer service by your garrison civil service employees the morning of July 11. That's the day that the garrison commander's civilian employee fitness program features a 5K run/walk by garrison employees.

The garrison commander, inspired by new Army programs stressing fitness of the entire force, welcomed all garrison employees (from post headquarters to gate guards, etc.) to join in on the fun.

"I encourage each and every one of you to participate," Col. Glenn Waters, Fort Sill Garrison commander, told employees at a recent town hall meeting. "Even if it's just a daily 30-minute walk, you'll be helping your long-time health and fitness."

The fitness program, aimed at the garrison's civilian employees, started in May and lasted through the end of June (final weigh in was scheduled for June 30). As extra incentive to meet and achieve fitness goals, Waters encouraged civilian employees to take part in a "Biggest Loser" contest, with time-off awards (and other goodies) for the top two male and female weight losers. Additionally, Waters encouraged garrison directors to give time-off awards for those employees who took up the challenge.

The fitness program reaches its zenith with a 5K Walk/Run at the 3-Mile Track, July 11 at 7:30 a.m.

In addition to the end-of-program 5K, each participant is required to take part in another 5K. It could be held on post (directorates can hold their own 5K) or off post, such as the Technicolor Run or Tough Mudders. Waters also said he would give credit if an employee completes the Lawton three-mile-Thursday events.

Each directorate appointed a program administrator who maintained a record of the miles their civilians walked, weigh-ins and other vitals. They then reported these records to the garrison representative Tom Easterly.

When the final tally comes in and Waters learns if he's leading a leaner (but hopefully not meaner) workforce, what does he want to see?

"We are incredibly blessed by the professional civilian workforce we enjoy here at Fort Sill," Waters said, "so I wouldn't mind it if they were healthy, felt healthy, and all decided to stay at work here until age 70." The post has already benefited from the program through an unforeseen off-shoot to the July 11 5K. During initial planning for the 5K, the staff discussed the potential for a radical new 5K in the future -- possibly a Fort Sill 5K Zombie Run in October.