FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Army News Service, Aug. 1, 2011) -- Lifting close to 530 pounds is an unthinkable task for many, but one Army civilian did just that during the USA Powerlifting Master Nationals Competition earlier this year in Atlanta -- earning him a bronze medal during the competition.
It was Ennis White, a telecommunications officer with Army North, that performed the feat.
A bronze medal is not bad for a lifter at the ripe age of 47. But White says that feat doesn't compare to the magnitude of the importance of his duties with Army North.
As a spectrum manager in his section, he is responsible for all the wireless communications for Army North's Defense Coordinating Elements, which are located in each of the 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency regions throughout the United States, the Contingency Command Post, Joint Task Force " Civil Support, Joint Task Force " North, and the various organizations that fall under the command.
"Mr. White regularly anticipates the spectrum (wireless frequencies) requirements for this command and meets them ahead of when they are needed. Despite being a 'one-man-show,' he is able to juggle the spectrum needs of the command," said Lt. Col. Travis Robinette, chief of operations, G6. "He forward-deploys during major exercises, ensuring all spectrum needs are met in a timely fashion, trains and explains requirements of support for assigned missions."
Working in that position requires a lot of dedication, as does his weight-lifting hobby. But White said he finds time to give attention to both his passions, work and his hobby.
"Powerlifting is my hobby," said White. " I never let it affect my job performance. The lines are never crossed, but I've been lucky in that. My supervisors and this organization have always been supportive of my accomplishments."
White, a self-admitted Buffalo Bills fan, has a career-best dead-lift of 683 lbs. He's squatted 650 lbs. and bench-pressed 546 lbs during his 16 year lifting career. Altogether, it adds up to close to a ton. He's done all this while serving 24 years in the Air Force, with numerous deployments throughout the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said working at Army North has allowed him to continue serving his country in a civilian capacity, while working hard to promote strength, health and determination in his off-duty hobbies.
"White is not only an asset to our Army North's G6 (communication) mission, but he supports and promotes Army North's Civilian physical fitness program and goals by competing at the Powerlifting championships," said Robinette.
White's motivation is a testament to what can be accomplished regardless of when and where you are in your life, said Robinette. And his weightlifting accomplishments are just one example of numerous medals and achievements throughout his career, which is overshadowed only by his performance as a valued team member of Army North's communications section.
(Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres writes for U.S. Army North)
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