5th Signal Command Soldiers, Civilians, Family members run more than 20,000 miles

By William B. King, 5th Signal Command (Theater)March 7, 2016

5th Signal Command Soldiers, Civilians, Family members run more than 20,000 miles
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WIESBADEN, Germany -- Challenged to individually run at least 100 miles in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, the Soldiers, Civilians and Family members of 5th Signal Command (Theater) and 2nd Signal Brigade together ran more than 20,000 miles as part of the command's Fit to Lead program.

The goal of the Fit to Lead program is to institutionalize a culture of health, fitness and balanced lifestyles across the command for Soldiers, Civilians and Family members. The yearlong program features quarterly focus areas based on the four pillars of Fit to Lead -- physical fitness, financial planning, mental well-being and education planning. Within each focus area will be challenges with certificates for successful completion, training, workshops and other learning opportunities.

The first quarter focused on physical fitness and included the 100-Mile Challenge, a Metabolic Challenge and a Lift to Lead Challenge.

The 248 individuals and family teams who participated in the 100-Mile Challenge ran a combined total of 20,441miles (32,897 kilometers) during the first quarter's 100-mile challenge, 96 of whom earned gold certificates by running 100 or more miles.

The top individual was Sgt. 1st Class Joel Augustine from the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion with 657.07 total miles (1,057.45 kilometers), and the top family group belonged to the family of Sgt. Felipe Abrahamcalderon, a culinary NCO at the Ever Vigilant Cafe in Grafenwoehr with 823.23 combined total miles (1,324 kilometers). Augustine said his motivation to participate and excel in the program started with friendly competition with a fellow NCO.

"Being physically fit is important for everyone's overall health. The more fit you are, the less likely you are to get sick or suffer from injuries; hence maintaining a high level of Soldier readiness," Augustine said.

He said he put in extra miles by taking simple steps such as walking to meetings instead of driving, and by running or walking in his spare time.

"If you can stay motivated and dedicated with your diet and exercise, you can put that same dedication to the Army's mission," Augustine said.

There were 70 participants in the Lift to Lead Challenge, 26 of whom earned gold certificates.

Master Sgt. Strate Flessas, 5th Signal Command senior career counselor and Fit to Lead program coordinator, said the level of participation and results from the first quarter physical challenges exceeded expectations.

"There's been enhanced motivation for the program, lots of advertising and getting the word out, as well as a top-down engagement to participate in the program," Flessas said.

For more information about the Fit to Lead program go to www.5sigcmd.army.mil/ftl.

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5th Signal Command's mission is to build, operate and defend network capabilities to enable mission command and create tactical, operational, and strategic flexibility for Army, Joint and Multinational forces in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility.

Related Links:

Fit to Lead

5th Signal Command (Theater)

U.S. Army Europe

5th Signal Command on Facebook

U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command

5th Signal Command on Twitter