U.S. Army Reserve Puerto Rico soldier shares story of determination

Photo By Staff Sgt. Katherine Ramos Muniz | FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico- Sgt. Waldemar Soto, assigned to the 49th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, shares how he stays fit to meet Army physical fitness standards at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, October 25, 2021. A soldier's physical readiness plays an important role in the ability of the United States Army Reserve to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Halayla Vega, 363rd PAD)  

FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO

10.25.2021

Story by Spc. Halayla Vega 

1st Mission Support Command

Story by: Spc. Halayla Vega, 363rd PAD

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico – Sgt. Waldemar Soto, assigned to the 49th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, pushes all the limits when it comes to training and getting in shape.

A soldier's physical readiness plays an important role in the ability of the United States Army Reserve to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions.

In 2016, Soto began running to upkeep the Army physical fitness standards.

One day a friend invited Soto to join a running group where they all trained as long distance runners. He was immediately interested in pursuing this further.

“Once I joined the group our trainer would send me the running distances weekly and I started to notice I was reaching numbers that seemed excessive at the time,” said Soto. “You would be surprised how far you can push your body.”

With determination, Soto has completed three major marathons and more recently the BMW Berlin-Marathon, 42.2 kilometers.

“Most times I had to wake up early to train so I could make it in time for work,” said Soto. “My goal is to run all six major marathons in the world.”

He also completed the TATA Consultancy Services New York City Marathon and Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Soto said this can be achieved through rigorous training, a good healthy diet and the dedication it takes to wake up early every day.

“I feel like when people think about running they often get scared or intimidated,” said Soto. “It helps to have someone there to guide you and in the end it's very beneficial for your health.”

Thanks to my training habits, I can successfully meet the new standards for the Army Combat Fitness Test, he said.

The ACFT consists of six events that require endurance, strength, power, stability, agility, and coordination. Soldiers must score a minimum of 60 points in each event to pass the test.

Currently he works at the 1st Mission Support Command surgeon office ensuring high standards of medical readiness across the command.

The U.S. Army Reserve forces in Puerto Rico have become an essential part of the total force, with soldiers who embody the warrior mindset and spirit.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2021
• Date Posted: 10.25.2021 10:42
• Story ID: 407908
• Location: FORT BUCHANAN, PR