HAWC program produces combat fit commanders Published May 26, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In front of the sweaty commanders whom he instructs in physical fitness activities every Wednesday, Brent Ragsdale, Health and Wellness Center health fitness specialist, was coined by Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander, May 26 for his role in helping to build the Combat Fitness program at Sheppard. Combat Fit is a circuit-training program designed by HAWC fitness professionals to strengthen core muscles and build an overall stronger body. The Combat Fit program has received recognition for helping Team Sheppard produce mission-ready servicemembers since November 2009. However, that is also the time frame when base commanders, chiefs and first sergeants started getting together for their commander's edition of Combat Fit. "General Mannon wanted to offer three days a week of Combat Fit strictly to wing leadership to ramp up their physical training in preparation for the new change in fitness standards," said John Martin, exercise physiologist. Every Wednesday morning, Mr.Ragsdale leads the wing leadership in a variety of exercises that make up the Combat Fit regimen: running, lunges, squats, kettlebell exercises, jump ropes, plyometrics, strength building and explosion exercises, agility drills and many more. In addition to the Wednesday sessions, in which all commanders, chiefs and first sergeants work out with General Mannon, Mr. Ragsdale leads the sessions on Monday and Friday mornings, which are also strictly for wing leadership. "The attitudes are great, and I get good feedback," said Mr. Ragsdale. "Some people have already told me that they have either scored better on their PT evaluations or lost a few inches." Just like the Combat Fit program open to all base personnel, the routine changes each week to help the commanders develop an overall stronger body. "All the workouts are scalable across the board," said Mr. Martin. "The trend for a lot of people working out is to get into their comfort zone. Brent's job is to get them out of that comfort zone. "Our bottom line is to get you ready to deploy. You need to be able to pass your PT evaluation, but big picture up front...it is all about combat capability." Combat Fit is not just for commanders. Combat Fit is open to all base personnel and takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Combat Fit pad outside of the Pitsenbarger Fitness Center. The HAWC is still accepting new members. To sign up or get more information, call the HAWC at 940-676-4292.