First Sergeants’ hold fit fundraiser

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The second annual First Sergeants' Push-up a-thon fundraiser raised approximately $1,000 June 28 at Baker Field house fitness center.

Individuals had multiple 10-minute sessions to perform as many push-ups as possible.

Proceeds from this event will be used to support enlisted programs such as Airman Leadership School, NCO Professional Education, Senior NCO PE, and Community College of the Air Force. Solicitations were made to the First Sergeants Council by on-base agencies and approved by the council.

"This fundraiser builds morale, instills friendly competition within and between units as well as highlighting individuals," said Master Sgt. James Groves, 354th Operations Group First Sergeant.

The categories for the competition include the most push-ups completed by a male, most push-ups completed by a female, most push-ups completed by a unit, most money raised by an individual, and most money raised by a unit.

"We wanted to promote the atmosphere of being physically fit. What a great way to do a competition, by having people step-up and do some push-ups," said Senior Master Sgt. Todd Foulk, 354th Fighter Wing Staff Agencies First Sergeant.

Taking the competition one step further, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordnance Disposal Airmen wore 80-pound EOD bomb suits. The nature of this fundraiser is highly competitive and participants earned bragging rights until the next push-up challenge.

"Before I started, I felt pretty energized," said Airman 1st Class Rebecca Sobiech, a 354th Comptroller Squadron budget analyst. "Although I didn't do my push-ups in a bomb suit, I was pretty worn out afterwards. I had fun though, and was happy to help."

Airman Sobiech was the top female performer and was able to raise more money than any other individual. She completed the competition with 138 push-ups.

"I would definitely do this again. It was a good way to raise money for the First Sergeants and I can set a goal next time to try to get to at least 200 pushups next time," said Airman Sobiech.

Airman 1st Class Justin Baker, 354th Contracting Squadron, took the award for most push-ups by a male with 278 push-ups. He was able to help the contracting squadron be the top fund-raising unit.

The 354th Civil Engineering Squadron did the most push-ups as a unit with a combined push-up total of 2041.

Not only does this event raise money, it is also is a great way to build camaraderie. Although competitive, it is an environment that fosters encouragement and team work.