Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini posing with all the Airmen who took their physical fitness test on May 24, 2012 at Sheppard Air Force Base. All of the Airmen had just pinned on their numbers in preparation for the run portion of the physical fitness test. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)
Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini counts push-up repetitions of Master Sgt. Gen Vicente on May 24, 2012 at Sheppard Air Force Base. Fantini was sure to keep everyone up to standard including himself during the physical fitness test. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Jerred Moon)
Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini performs push-up repetitions while Master Sgt. Gen Vicente counted on May 24, 2012 at Sheppard Air Force Base. Fantini took his physical fitness test at the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Jerred Moon)
Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini running during his physical fitness test on May 24, 2012 at Sheppard Air Force Base. Fantini completes the last portion of the physical fitness test, the 1.5 mile run. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dan Hawkins)
by Second Lieutenant Jerred Moon
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
5/24/2012 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Brig. Gen. Michael A. Fantini, 82nd Training Wing Commander, was at a physical fitness test the morning of May 24, not only motivating Airmen, but also taking the test himself.
Fantini wants Airmen to know the physical fitness test is not only a part of what we do, but it is a key component of personal readiness.
"It's important for people not to be intimidated by the physical fitness test," Fantini said. "Getting prepared physically to execute our mission is a vital part of our readiness."
Master Sgt. Gen Vicente, 365th Training Squadron, spotted Fantini during his test and found it inspiring.
"At first I was a little intimidated, but the General was very energetic and it was incredibly motivating," she said. "He encouraged me to do better, and I tried to do the same for him."
Fantini made sure he was meeting all the standards set by the Air Force and he holds all Airmen to the same standard.
Tech. Sgt. Anthony Perry, 80th OSS air traffic controller, enjoyed seeing the general take his physical fitness test with all the Airmen.
"I think it's great," he said. "We are all on the same team trying to meet the same standards."
After Fantini finished his physical fitness test, he had a few words he wanted to share with Airmen at Team Sheppard.
"Do the best you can; get out there and PT at least three times a week," he said. "Be sure to take advantage of all the resources you have available to you like the HAWC (Health and Wellness Center)."
For more information, contact your unit fitness program representative or the HAWC 940-676-4292.
