17th Fires Brigade

Courtesy Story

By Spc. Charles F. Percy

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – After our unit, the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment arrived in Basrah in early August, my first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Derek Bazile, noticed I had put on a few pounds and "invited" me and ten others into his office for a weigh-in and tape test.

With great disappointment I failed the weight and tape test for the first time in my Army career. When he read off my measurements, I refused to believe it. I said to myself, "he is not taping me right, he is purposely trying to fail me." I didn't say a word. I couldn't. He said he would give me two weeks to lose the weight. I was so angry and upset inside. My pride was crushed.

I left his office swearing to myself, "What is his problem with me? Why is he against me all of a sudden? What changed?"

I knew I gained 10 pounds, but two inches around my waist? Impossible! He even took an inch off my height and an inch off my neck circumference. I was infuriated.

For weeks I went around complaining and moaning about the first sergeant failing me. In explaining my weight gain, I made excuses such as "it's the change in diet from home food to DFAC food" or "it's my new job, sitting behind a desk."

Things came to a head when I approached our re-enlistment non-commissioned officer to inquire about current re-enlistment options. Having planned to continue my career in the Army, I was more than a little disappointed to learn he couldn't help me because I'd been flagged for being overweight. I would have to lose the weight and get the flag lifted for him to talk with me any further.

I about lost it. I immediately went to see my first sergeant and asked him if I could be re-taped. He agreed to tape me later that day.

I paced around and around for the next few hours thinking and worrying if I would pass tape. I was at my wits end when I started to ask God to help me. What is happening to me? Why now? The negative thoughts kept racing through my mind.

All of a sudden, it clicked. Was it possible that I was at fault for my overweight condition? Was it possible the first sergeant was not really against me, but a little disappointed in his old-man super-trooper? Was it possible the first sergeant, in his infinite wisdom and leadership, was only showing me the facts of the matter and trying to get me back on track?

Wow! How stupid I felt! No one noticed, but I was totally humiliated and shocked at myself that after all of my 47 years of life experience, spending four years in college, raising two kids, and being a grandfather I had behaved like a spoiled little teenager.

The first sergeant taped me and of course I failed again. He said I lost six pounds but still needed to lose about two inches around my waist. His attitude seemed to change toward me. Was it possible he only wanted to see me correct myself and work on my overweight problem?

He suggested certain exercises that would help firm up my abdomen. He said I was making good progress and felt confident I could lose the weight if I put forth the effort. He told me there was a diagnostic physical training test Oct. 13 and everyone would be weighed the day before. That gave me one full week to lose the weight! He gave me words of encouragement and said he knew I could do it. It was a challenge but I felt confident and so much better.

By accepting that my overweight problem was my own fault, I started my road to recovery. That day I got out on the established PT route and made a good run time in the heat of the day. I also started working on my sit-ups and push-ups and even took the first sergeant's suggestion of focusing on my obliques. I worked out hard each day and carefully watched what I was eating.

On Oct. 12, the day before the PT test, I was taped and passed. I lost a total of nine pounds and 1 ½ inches off my waist – just enough to pass tape. The first sergeant and battery commander congratulated me on my efforts. They removed the flag. I was so relieved. I promised myself that I would never let this happen again. After all, it's not difficult. Eat a healthy balanced meal and exercise daily. It doesn't sound like too much to ask for. It's for my own good.

The next day, I took the PT test which went very well. I didn't quite beat my last score of 293 when I was on a regular exercise program but finished with a score of 263.

My goal was always to get the maximum of 300 points. I felt pretty good about my results but not nearly as good as when I lost the weight and got that flag removed. Now I have my health back and I have opportunities.

With the flag removed, I went back to the re-enlistment NCO and with great pride and honor, I signed up for another six years with the U.S. Army. I received my honorable discharge and re-enlistment ceremony Oct. 17. That's my birthday. I am now "back on track" at 48.

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