'Soar into Shape' sheds 923 pounds Published May 10, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- In just 63 days, 320 base residents managed to lose a total of 926 pounds - and see their collective waistlines drop by 283 inches - in the 5th Annual "Soar Into Shape" fitness challenge co-sponsored by the Health and Wellness Center and the Fitness Center. Participants celebrated with a healthy luncheon and awards ceremony on May 2, 2012, at Liberty Square. Competitors - either individually or as part of a four-person team - battled through various challenges, including timed obstacle courses and water workouts, and attended the more than 35 fitness and nutrition classes offered over the nine weeks. Points were awarded for participation in each event and class, for exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and for drinking enough water each day. Those points helped in determining who would be crowned champion. Team "Death Star," comprised of Master Sgt. Jason Reiter, Tech. Sgt. Larry Sims, Tech. Sgt. Elliot O 'Claire and Tech. Sgt. Michael Spry, eked out a narrow victory over second-place team "Doublewide" and third-place finishers, the "Contract Killas." Participants were given the opportunity to earn last-minute points by producing videos portraying their efforts and successes. (See attached videos). Kim Reiter snuck by Freddie Hernandez to claim the top spot in the "Individual" category. The "Biggest Loser" award, given to the competitor who lost the most weight, was presented to Tech. Sgt. Joel Kolb, who dropped 24 pounds. "It's awesome to see people, both Airmen and civilians, pull together and get out of their comfort zone and do things they didn't think they could do," said Leah Melquist, health promotion manager and co-coordinator of the competition. "It's a great way to motivate people to focus on the overall wellness perspective, not just losing weight, but mental wellness as well." Death Star's Reiter -- half-jokingly deemed a "dictatorial steamroller of a boss" by teammate O 'Claire -- said the event was challenging, intense and definitely got his team in much better shape. "It was really tough at times," said O 'Claire. "He'd (Reiter) have us reporting to the gym at 6 a.m., coming in on Saturdays for body sculpting classes and tell us to get our swimsuits ready for water aerobics." Individual winner Kim Reiter, wife of the Death Star captain, said the camaraderie of everyone participating together was the best aspect of the competition. She also lauded those running the program. "The HAWC and fitness center did great job on teaching every aspect of health," said Reiter, who also insisted her husband wasn't too hard on his troops but admitted he could be a bit of a fitness bully at times. "The classes taught were so beneficial and the gym was always full." O 'Claire also thanked the sponsors. "The HAWC did a wonderful job on everything; the program was awesome" he said. "They chose a great way to introduce fitness to the base and promote healthier lifestyles." "Great job to all the participants," said Melquist. "I'm always so proud of each and every one of them." Videos: Team Death Star Team Doublewide