Deployed 18th Field Artillery Soldiers Pursue Fitness Excellence

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

05.16.2016

Story by Sgt. Benjamin Parsons 

18th Field Artillery Brigade

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Physical training prepares Soldiers to fight and win during the rigors of combat. For nine months, nearly 100 Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, are deployed in Southwest Asia. Many have seen fit to take advantage of their time away in pursuing their fitness goals.

The Soldiers of HHB, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, have distinguished themselves in varying competitions and sporting events, including long distance running, weightlifting, team sports, and even competed for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.

1st Lt. Chase Johnson, commander of the deployed element of HHB, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, is an avid runner and takes any opportunity to put some miles behind him.

“Growing up with the sport of wrestling truly prepares you to tackle any of life's challenges,” said Johnson. “To be successful you have to demonstrate intensity, focus and discipline. Discipline is being able to enjoy very long relaxing runs in a polyethylene jacket during Georgia summers, which was my idea of fun.”

“My sophomore year of college I broke my wrist and was put in a cast which meant my wrestling season was over,” continued Johnson. “I began pushing my limits and distance further and further until I was rolling out of bed and running 10 miles without breaking a sweat. Ten miles became 26 miles and eventually 50. I signed up for a 50 mile trail run in Georgia and had my cast removed a day prior to running the race. I enjoyed seeing like-minded, deemed "crazy", individuals who enjoyed pushing their limits.”

Johnson participated in the Operation Inherent Resolve 65K at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, this March, finishing in 2nd place overall. The 65 kilometers was for the 65 nations participating in Operation Inherent Resolve.

“I prepared for the OIR 65K run by running multiple times a day, even if I did not immediately want to at the time,” said Johnson. “I knew from previous experiences that I would face mental and physical barriers during the race. Running through pain and remaining focused was one of them.”

“Being able to understand your body and how far one can push themselves can create limitless opportunities for one's self mentally and physically,” added Johnson.

“Being the individual that I am, I always strive to lead from the front in everything I do,” explained Johnson. “Positively and proudly representing my country, my brigade, and my Soldiers mean the world to me. Any chance I get to show off the great things that come with being a part of the 18th Field Artillery Brigade team, I will do it with all my might.”

Sgt. 1st Class Jordan Lee, of HHB, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, has been weight training for years and was quick to take advantage of the competitions that were available during his deployment.

“I was always involved into playing sports growing up so I have always had a competitive nature,” said Lee. “I’ve been weight training for a long time and naturally when I showed up to Camp Arifjan, I noticed the flyers on the wall for the competitions and it had drawn my attention.”

“Any competition is always a fun and adrenaline pumping experience,” continued Lee. “I figured since I had already been weight training that I should be able compete well against others.”

Lee competed in three powerlifting competitions, two strongman competitions, one squat competition, one bench press endurance competition and one deadlift competition.

“I adjusted my training program specifically for heavy lifts and altered my diet in order to be the strongest I could possibly be at my weight class,” explained Lee.

“As a person it keeps your discipline in training and your diet,” said Lee. “It is a simple routine that you get use to and never question or let anyone tell you otherwise. There are countless benefits that come from fitness but in the end the number one reason is to better yourself.”

As a result of his dedication and drive to succeed, Lee was awarded first place in every competition he entered.

“I think it's a morale booster and gives Soldiers in general something to look forward to and have a certain goal they could possibly achieve,” said Lee. “It helps pass the time and takes their mind off the deployment to help relax when not engaged in work.”

Sgt. Bradley White, of HHB, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, joined the unit flag football team during his deployment.

“I chose this event to encourage Soldiers to be more competitive and be a part of another team within the organization,” said White. “It also raises unit moral and esprit de corps.”

“I prepared by conducting strenuous physical training to make sure my fitness was above par and by participating in unit level football practices to bring the team closer together, and also build the confidence that we need to be a successful team,” added White.

Fitness has been an essential part for White since he’s been in the Army, and has been a part in building the unit cohesion seen in his unit.

“Fitness is what makes you successful within the Army, it gives you the ability to accomplish any duty or combat mission that might present itself,” explained White. “Fitness will also keep you healthy, and this is why within my section we push each other in physical training and also compete in running events in the civilian sector. We have a running team and have competed in the Tough Mudder 12-miler, the Rugged Maniac 5K, Spartan Races, and the ROC Race 5K, just to name a few.”

White has continued to pursue higher levels of fitness and competition opportunities for both personal and professional reasons.

“Staying active helps me relax from everything— just being able to compete is something that is a major part of my life,” said White. “The challenges are what make me strive to be the best and push myself further every day. This helps me personally because I am able to attain higher goals and see that competitiveness within the Soldiers.”

“This is also helpful on a professional level,” continued White. “The more interaction you have with the Soldiers outside of your section, the better it builds a stronger unit. Just being able to be active with the Soldiers provides the opportunity to lead and develop Soldiers along with inspiring them to always push themselves.”

• Date Taken: 05.16.2016
• Date Posted: 06.02.2016 16:39
• Story ID: 198241
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US