Soar Into Shape wraps up

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Eight weeks ago, Warriors of the North from across Grand Forks Air Force Base took the challenge to Soar Into Shape.

All their hard work and sacrifice came to fruition May 2 at Liberty Square here for an informal wrap-up and awards luncheon hosted by the Grand Forks AFB Health and Wellness Center (HAWC).

There, they celebrated their impressive milestones with Leah Melquist, HAWC Health Promotion Manager, who oversaw the program.

"I am thrilled by all the amazing things we have seen in the last eight weeks," said Melquist. "You have blown us away this year with the positive changes you have made to your exercise and eating habits that for some have been life changing."

Participants lost a total of 252.5 waistline inches and dropped a combined 815 pounds.

Dave Faber, 69th Reconnaissance Group, was named the Biggest Loser in the male category, with a total loss of 10.9 percent body fat; Chief Master Sgt. James Slade, 69th Maintenance Squadron, came in second with 10.7 percent; Capt. James Brooks, 69th RG, tied third with Capt. Timothy Carlson, 319th Medical Operations Squadron, at 9.7 percent; Tech Sgt. Chad Knoblauch, 69th RG, came in fourth with 8.9 percent.

In the female category, Miranda Hamilton, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, was the Biggest Loser, with an 8.4 percent loss of body fat; Jennifer Robistow came in second with 7.9 percent; Caryn Volcheck came in third with 7.5 percent; Carol Muir, 319th Force Support Squadron Fitness Center director, came in fourth with 7 percent; and Krystal Bork came in fifth with 6.1 percent.

Jackie Follmuth, 69th RG, and Jenn Blanchard, 319th Medical Group, took second and third place in the individual category, respectively.

Return of the Death Star took first place in the team category; The Fab 4 took second; and The Mulligans took third.

Lt. Col. Ruggeri, 319th MDG health care integrator, was given the award for Most Enthusiastic participant; Airman 1st Class Any Jimenez, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron, took the Die Hard award for sustaining a leg injury during the program, but not allowing that to dampen her motivation.

Melquist said no matter how much weight each participant lost, each person should be proud of themselves for making health a priority and taking the first steps in doing so. She also extended an invitation to the participants to stay in touch with HAWC and keep them updated on their continued progress.