Strong B.A.N.D.S. returns for fifth year

By Jessica Ryan, U.S. Army Installation Management CommandApril 3, 2015

Strong B.A.N.D.S. Fist Bump
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Strong B.A.N.D.S. Cycling Class
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Fort Leonard Wood Health & Safety Fair
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SAN ANTONIO (March 19, 2015) -- The fifth annual Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign will return to 65 participating Army garrisons worldwide in May.

Strong B.A.N.D.S. -- which stands for Strong Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination and Strength -- promotes garrison fitness and wellness programs available to Soldiers, Families, retirees and civilians. This year's theme is Total Army Strong, which highlights how all members of the Army community are essential in building a resilient fighting force.

The campaign is held during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Participating garrisons will plan a minimum of five fitness and health-related events throughout the month. In previous years, events ranged from traditional sports and fitness programming and health fairs to Story Walks and bowling tournaments.

"We are always looking for ideas to enhance the programming involving physical fitness on our installation," said Neil Smith, Sports Director at Fort Gordon, Georgia. "We strive for our Soldiers and their Families to participate in fun, worthwhile activities that will progress into making key, important lifestyle changes."

A new addition in 2015 is Run to Honor, an event developed in partnership with the Survivor Outreach Services program. The event, which debuted at the 2014 Army Ten-Miler, gives individuals an opportunity to walk or run in dedication of fallen military members. The Exchange will provide free race bibs for participants to write the honoree's name on. Thirty-four garrisons will conduct various Run to Honor events including Fun Runs, 5Ks and 10Ks.

Strong B.A.N.D.S. also supports other Army initiatives such as the Ready and Resilient campaign and Army Medicine's Performance Triad.

"I encourage anyone that is participating in Strong B.A.N.D.S. to check out the Performance Triad because it compliments what Strong B.A.N.D.S. is all about - a state of mind," said Lt. Col. Jason Silvernail, System for Health and Performance Triad Activity Lead for the Headquarters, Department of the Army, Office of the Surgeon General. "Adding the tenets of the Performance Triad can optimize sleep, activity, and nutrition behaviors and choices."

Partnering with the Human Performance Resource Center and the Army Public Health Command, the campaign will have both print and online educational materials and videos available to participants at no cost. Online materials will be accessible at the Strong B.A.N.D.S. official website.

In addition, each participant will receive a gold and black wristband to symbolize their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Launched in 2011, Strong B.A.N.D.S. encourages all members of the military community world-wide to start and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Last year, over 48,600 individuals were involved in a variety of fun and engaging fitness and health activities.

Related Links:

Strong B.A.N.D.S. Website