'Life of a Warrior' strengthens resiliency pillars

by Airman 1st Class C.C.
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

4/8/2014 - LAS VEGAS -- There are many different workout programs available, but most are concentrated on just the physical fitness only. Very few fitness platforms focus on the whole-person concept to include the physical, mental, social and spiritual pillars of resiliency. Luckily, the Life of a Warrior practiced on Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases does just that.

Life of a Warrior is not just a program; it's a lifestyle and a mindset. The campaign takes a motivational and practical approach of Airmen helping other Airmen seek excellence in the physical and mental aspects of their lives rather than falling into a harmful or even destructive lifestyle.

Col. Barry Cornish, 99th Air Base Wing commander, began planning the campaign in August 2013, basing it off John Underwood's Life of an Athlete program. Life of a Warrior classes began in December that same year with the intent to cover not only physical and mental fitness, but also spiritual and social fitness.

"The title of the campaign comes from the second line of the Airman's Creed which states, 'I am a warrior'," said Staff Sgt. Richard Quino Jr., 799th Air Base Squadron vehicle maintainer and the Creech Life of a Warrior point of contact. "We're trying to bring that to life here and show that everyone is a warrior."

Currently on Creech, Life of a Warrior provides a monthly Warrior Trained Fitness class, which is a specialty class developed to push the body to make big changes, while also encouraging participants to have fun with fellow warriors. In addition, the campaign provides functional fitness classes, which are similar to a cross-fit style workout, as well as, cycling, running, jiu-jitsu, and spin classes.

"I always go to the Warrior Trained Fitness and decided to try the functional fitness class when I saw they were starting it," said Airman 1st Class Hannah Howey, 799th Security Forces Squadron knowledge operations manager. I do Insanity on my own but really enjoy the group atmosphere. In a group I am more motivated. I want to do more than the person next to me and Life of a Warrior gives me that opportunity."

The Warrior Challenge is another unique aspect of the campaign. Every other month, a unit is tasked to put together a series of challenges based on specific job-related duties the unit performs. Then, teams from Creech and Nellis compete for the championship.

The first Warrior Challenge, which took place in December 2013, was a challenge issued by the 799th Security Forces Squadron. It featured a rifle and pistol build, house clearing, pushups and sit-ups challenge, Humvee push, tire drag, ruck march, and a red man challenge, or apprehending a suspect.

"The campaign aims to increase PT scores and readiness while decreasing illness, DUIs, underage drinking, suicide and sexual assaults," said Quino. "It's a way for Airmen to do something different and be a part of something good."

Life of a Warrior facilitators are always looking for new and creative ways to implement the mental and spiritual pillars of resiliency into the campaign. One recent addition to the program is a book group on Creech, which allows participants to enjoy the material, improve skills and interact with others.