Annual campaign promotes healthier living among Soldiers, Families

By Tim HippsMay 10, 2017

Soldiers proudly show off their Strong B.A.N.D.S. wristbands
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers proudly show off their Strong B.A.N.D.S. wristbands during the FOX Sports Midwest's annual "This One's For You" telecast to the troops, May 29, 2015, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. The live broadcast from the garrison connected Soldiers wit... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Elizabeth Marks was one of the poster Soldiers for the 2013 Army Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Elizabeth Marks, seen here competing at the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Swimming Trials in Charlotte, N.C., was one of the poster Soldiers for the 2013 Army Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign. She since won gold and bronze medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mattie Tago advances the ball in the gold-medal game of the 2013 Armed Forces Rugby Sevens Championships
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mattie Tago advances the ball during All-Army's last-minute march to a 19-14 victory over All-Air Force in the gold-medal game of the 2013 Armed Forces Rugby Sevens Championships at Infinity Park in Glendale, Colorado, with Capt. Andrew Locke in tow ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- The largest Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation campaign, Army Strong B.A.N.D.S., is back.

The U.S. Army Installation Management Command's annual program kicked off this year on May 1 at 68 installations, garrisons, forward-deployed locations and Reserve centers, pushing Soldiers, their Families, and Department of Defense civilians to focus on "balance, activity, nutrition, determination and strength."

Locations Army-wide are promoting programs and activities that support Soldier and Family resilience and encourage individual fitness throughout the National Physical Fitness and Sports month of May. All told, Strong B.A.N.D.S. will grace 347 programs across the Army.

"Joint Base Lewis-McChord participates in Strong B.A.N.D.S. because it is not just a program for participants, it is a personal journey," said Aaron Jones, JBLM's sports, fitness and aquatics director.

"Strong B.A.N.D.S. provides more than a one-time experience for participants," Jones said. "It allows for new habits to be built while being surrounded by a positive support system. Participants who go through the month of healthy living programs not only kick-start their path to health but gain the knowledge and stamina to make it their new lifestyle."

"Train. Willing. Able." is the theme of the 2017 Army Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign. Each participating location has selected at least five fitness activities or events to implement in May.

"We're not asking them to create new programs -- just to highlight existing programs to help generate extra buzz and participation in a class or program that already exists," Strong B.A.N.D.S. coordinator Carole Herr explained.

Soldiers and other eligible MWR patrons are encouraged to attend featured fitness events at their location, where they will receive a Strong B.A.N.D.S. wristband to wear throughout May to express their commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Participants also can access valuable fitness tips throughout May by visiting the Strong B.A.N.D.S. website, which can be found in the related links below.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation

U.S. Army Olympians

Strong B.A.N.D.S.

U.S. Army Installation Management Command

The Performance Triad

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