Wellness Challenge Relay Event awarded to union

Published June 12, 2008
By John E. Banks
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The health and wellness of all individuals at Team Tinker is important. Members of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center completed a six-month challenge at the Ford Center on May 31 prior to an Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs Arena Football League 2 game.
   The wellness and fitness challenge event was billed as the management at Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center versus the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 916 and International Association of Fire Fighters IAFF-211. This challenge was culminated with an obstacle course on the indoor football field before a crowd of 2000 fans.
   This challenge was the brain child of Local 916 president, James Schmidt. The idea of improving and maintaining the health and wellness coupled with a challenge between the union and management was received with open arms by both groups
   "I think this is a great idea. The idea was brought to me by Mr. Schmidt and I thought it would be great for the partnership and definitely the overall health and wellness at the center," said John Over, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.
   The challenge was over a six-month period of time and the goal was to promote a stronger partnership and improve the health and wellness of all the participants. The challenge included a fitness assessment, cardiovascular profile, body mass index, and overall health fitness assessment.
   Coupled with this, classes were offered on nutrition, better sleep habits, and health concerns to assist the participants in completion of this challenge.
   These initial measurements were monitored by the assigned fitness leaders and Karen Blackwell, Health Promotions Manager, Tinker Air Force Base, Health and Wellness Center.
   "This challenge was an exceptional idea by the union. It not only had both leadership teams achieving their health and fitness goals but also provided inspiration to Team Tinker employees, both military and civilian in the area of health," said Blackwell.
   "This challenge was a lot of fun. Hopefully, we have changed the health habits of our members and that will continue after the challenge has been completed," said Over.
   The final stage was an obstacle course. The event had two teams comprised of 10 members apiece. Each team member had to run a football related obstacle course. It included catching a football of in a net, high stepping for 25 yards; 5 pushups and running for glory into the end zone.
   "I think our side has a great chance for victory tonight," said Jeff Vanzandt, representative of the union team members.
   In the final tally, the victors in the obstacle course were the union employees.

Wellness challenge