Expo showcases local fitness, health offerings

By Angela Williams, Army Flier Staff WriterJune 21, 2012

Expo showcases local fitness, health offerings
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 21, 2012) -- Recent visitors to the Fort Rucker Physical Fitness Facility may have noticed several new automobiles outside, along with a number of display tables and a martial arts demonstration inside. The three additions to the facility's usual offerings were a part of the second annual Men's Health and Fitness Expo held June 14.

The expo included a Ride and Drive event that allowed visitors to test drive vehicles from local Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Honda dealerships, men's health information from providers across the Wiregrass and a mixed-martial arts demonstration featuring Dothan's Wolfpack MMA.

"Our goal at the [Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation,] is to bring fun, creative and worthwhile programs to our Soldiers and Families," said Brian Jackson, MWR program manager. "This event showed the importance of one's health and numerous resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle.

"We feel great about having this program improve our Fort Rucker community," he added.

Jackson said the PFF was a great venue for the event because it helped to make patrons more aware of some of the services offered at the facility and provided an atmosphere that encouraged exercise.

"We're just excited to be able to help anyone that attended the event," he said.

At the expo, David Ethridge, Mercedes-Benz of Dothan certified sales consultant, stood out in the sun to answer questions about the cars on display and help Soldiers test drive the available vehicles.

"It's been educational for the military Family here, but it has also been educational for us to be able to interact with the people whose very lives allow us the freedom to come and do this," he said.

Back inside, Kim Atwell and Mark Stewart were two of several people staffing five different tables for Southeast Alabama Medical Center.

The displays offered information on the hospital itself, the Enterprise Cancer Center, the heart and vascular center, the Enterprise Sleep Clinic and the neuro-spine center, said Atwell, SAMC marketing specialist.

"Fort Rucker is so important to this area and we are proud to be associated with it and provide services," said Stewart, SAMC director of community relations.

Many Soldiers walked through the expo in small groups, often stopping to watch the jiu-jitsu demonstration in the center of the table displays.

"You can never go wrong having too much information about your health," said Sgt. 1st Class Victor Pedraza, Senior Leader Course, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, as he waited to get information about Wolfpack MMA's martial arts classes. "It's a concern and it becomes a greater concern as I get up in age."

"It's also great to support community organizations, too," added Staff Sgt. Eric Hauser, SLC NCO Academy.

Across the room, Staff Sgt. Ronney Copes, SLC NCO Academy, picked up brochures about area healthcare facilities.

"I decided to come out to see what kind of information I could get on men's health," he said. "I can walk around and see what's new and what's changing.

"All of it is beneficial," he said. "It's a great event."