FORT SILL, Okla., Aug. 26, 2018 -- Seven drill sergeants attended the D Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Road to Wellness exercise Aug. 7-8, at Fort Sill's Army Wellness Center (AWC).
Battery commander, Capt. Jean Tomte, who described himself as a fitness guru, oversaw the event.
Lt. Col. Eric Kunak, 1-79th FA commander, envisioned the event, Tomte said, and Kunak wants it to recur, potentially every nine weeks with a two-week reset when basic training cycles turn over.
"I'm a fitness guy, but this was eye-opening," said Tomte, who has served in the Army 18 years. "As cadre, I don't have enough time for myself. Since I'm so tight with time, the Army Wellness Center will work with me."
He has worked on the basic combat training side six months.
D/1-79th FA slides about the event stated both days had identical morning and afternoon sessions. Each session included: a health assessment review, body composition testing, metabolic analysis, and a cardio respiratory fitness test, followed by a results class and nutrition education.
Allison Pritchard, director of the AWC, gave the Soldiers an overview before the event started.
Drill Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) Donale Miles, one participant, said, "I think the AWC is very resourceful. In order to make a change, one must first become aware. The program helped me become aware of my bad habits and gave me realistic, clear guidance on how to improve. I highly recommend this program to everyone. It is beneficial to living a healthy lifestyle."
Drill Sergeant (Staff Sgt.) José Cardoso said that overall it is a good facility that anyone can benefit from. He thanked Tomte for organizing the event.
The AWC's services are available to active duty service members, retirees, family members, and Defense Department civilians. It is located at 2868 Craig Road. It also has an annex on the second floor of Reynolds Army Health Clinic. Hours run Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the main location.
Annex hours run Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rebecca Juarez, an employee at the AWC, said interested people should call first to make appointments for assessments.
"We're pretty busy in the mornings because people want to come in first thing because there's fasting involved, therefore afternoons are slower," she said.
For more information, call the wellness center staff at 580-442-0680.
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