FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. –
The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing recently named six Airmen as Athletes of the Year.
“Fitness is an extremely important component in who we are as Service members and Airmen and should be part of our normal way of life,” said Col. Thomas Hensley, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing commander.
“I find motivation when I see Airmen performing at a competitive level, he said. “It's our duty to be fit-to-fight on a moment's notice.”
Hindsley said it is always great to see Airmen that take fitness to another level – competition.
“I think of the dedication, commitment and resilience they invested in all of their training, and it inspires me to do even better with my personal fitness,” he said.
Airman 1st Class Esteban, 32nd Intelligence Squadron, is a competitive rock climber and trail runner. He finds that competition helps his drive when he realizes someone else may be better. He uses that drive to create a personal goal to become better and surpass them.
“Whether it's cutting on run time or increasing bench, there's always the next capstone, the next 'gym rival' and the next goal to achieve and push yourself forward,” Esteban said.
Rock climbing and trail running help Esteban learn to strategize and find the best way forward.
“Most of what drove me toward my activities is that I had friends who would motivate and push me. They help me on days when I want to quit or be lazy and stay in. I think I'm a better person now, in the sense that I care more for my peers and their aspirations and goals,” he said.
Senior Airman Nicholas, 22nd Intelligence Squadron, received second place for his accomplishments as an Airman and for Boxing.
“Part of the whole Airmen concept is to be physically and mentally ready,” Nicholas said. “Boxing not only keeps me in great shape, but it also keeps me strong minded.”
During his boxing matches, Nicholas learns how to focus and prepare for what the other boxer will throw at him. This helps him prepare for the challenges he might face on the job as a cyber system operator.
“Every move I make determines my success or failure,” he said. “Boxing is much like a chess game. I have to be very strategic, but I have to be able to make decisions in a split second. The sport definitely improves the way I think and strategize my future movements and goals. In Boxing, I have to have a game plan for each match and tournament as a whole. Having to think this way exercises my brain in learning how to face life obstacles as well as reaching career and education goals.”
The 707th Force Support Squadron of the 70th ISRW sponsors the Athlete of the Year awards annually to highlight the top male and female athletes within the wing. Winners are then nominated to compete for Air Force Athlete of the Year, said Tech. Sgt. Jackie Peters, 707th FSS force sustainment flight. Each of the 70th ISRW selectees was nominated by leadership and their peers based on their accomplishments as total Airmen.
The Athletes of the Year for 70th ISRW, along with their squadron and athletic activities, are:
Female:
1st: Senior Airman Alyssa, 22nd Intelligence Squadron, Powerlifting
2st: Senior Airman Marilu, 41st Intelligence Squadron, Powerlifting
3rd: Senior Airman Tori, 94th Intelligence Squadron, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Male:
1st: Technical Sgt. Argelio Chappotin III, 707th Communications Squadron, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
2nd: Senior Airman Nicholas, 22nd Intelligence Squadron, Boxing
3rd: Airman 1st Class Esteban, 32nd Intelligence Squadron, Rock Climbing and Trail Running
(Editor’s note: Last names were not used for security reasons.)