Eielson First Sergeants Council hosts pushup-a-thon

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jason Phillips
  • Eielson First Sergeant Council
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Twenty-four contestants competed in a pushup-a-thon contest at the Baker Field House Gymnasium to raise money for the Eielson First Sergeants Council, and to possibly take home bragging rights for themselves or their unit April 14.

According to Senior Master Sgt. Greg Pierce, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron First Sergeant and Eielson First Sergeant Council President, Eielson Airmen completed 4,398 pushups. The 354th CES Explosive Ordnance team alone completed 1,162 pushups, all while wearing a 70-pound bomb suit.

Contestants were given 10 minutes to complete as many standard pushups as possible. They raised money by being sponsored, either with a flat donation, or by a donation per pushup. Although the First Sergeants are waiting on all donations to come in, preliminary estimates reveal that more than $2,900 was raised.

"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, as well as any other possible financial support solicitations made to the First Sergeants Council by on-base agencies and approved by a majority vote by the council," said Sergeant Pierce.

Individual and Unit recognition will be placed in the Fitness Center. Those receiving recognition are:

Most Pushups by a Male: 304 by Airman 1st Class Mike Stevens, 354th CES
Most Pushups by a Female: 400 by Mrs. Jamie Johnson, 354th Force Support Squadron
Most Pushups by Unit: 2,558 by 354th CES
Most Money Raised by Individual: $519.87 by Airman 1st Class Matt Haist, 354th CES
Most Money Raised by Unit: $1,082.53 by 354th CES

"This event was successful beyond our wildest imaginations. We want to sincerely thank all who participated, and especially all of those who contributed financially. Because of their generosity, we will be able to continue to support important Eielson events," said Master Sgt. Terri Cothren, 354th Medical Group First Sergeant and Eielson First Sergeant Council Vice President.

This was the first pushup-a-thon hosted by the First Sergeants Council; however, plans are in the works to make this an annual event.