A Lifestyle of Fitness and Personal Achievement

By 1st Lt. Aaron Kao, 80th Ordnance BattalionJanuary 19, 2010

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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Like a number of Americans experiencing the harsh reality of an economy in recession, and needing a way to make ends meet again, a former Soldier returned to active duty and has worked to establish himself as one of the 63rd Ordnance Company's , 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), most capable and dynamic young leaders.

Cpl. Chip Osborne, a native of Gresham, Ore., stationed out of Fort Lewis, Wash., in the 63rd Ordnance Company, returned to the Army after a four-year break in service.

Among Osborne's achievements of being the distinguished honor graduate of his Warrior Leader's Course, which comprised about 300 Soldiers, and attaining corporal stripes, "maxing" the army physical fitness test for the first time was a breakthrough achievement that has fueled his desire to push new limits, he said.

Osborne explained that he has always been self-motivated and possessed the innate desire to excel, but attributes much of his present physical condition to his wife Katie, who encouraged him to get back into shape after a long hiatus from exercising.

"Katie had her own workout goals, and she brought me back into the groove before I came back into the Army," Osborne said. "She's a great workout partner."

Since scoring 317 points on the extended scale, Osborne looks to score an ambitious 350 points on his next physical fitness test and the two-mile portion in under 11 minutes. The maximum score on the regular scale is 300 points.

Osborne has run several 5Ks since arriving on Joint Base Balad, one 10K, and recently competed in his first half marathon on Jan. 2, where he finished sixth place with a time of 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Upon redeployment, Osborne plans to run a full marathon.

Osborne currently works as the noncommissioned officer in charge of ammunition receipts at the Corps Storage Area Ammunition Supply Point here.

When he is not working in the CSA or running, Osborne can be found pumping weight in the gym or on the phone with his wife.

Back home, Osborne has a passion for tattoos, many of which he inked on himself, hiking, and eating cookies when he needs to treat himself.

Osborne feels that he will be better challenged in a different career path, and has expressed interest in pursuing a career in explosive ordinance disposal.