Medic’s weight loss motivation for all

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Kenneth Craddock assigned to 1/201st Field Artillery, West Virginia Army National Guard, made a decision a year ago to lose weight and get in shape. In January, he made good on that promise by completing his first ever half marathon. Craddock, a case manager with the Federal Bureau of Prisons of the United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, W.Va., has lost 48 pounds in less than a year. Craddock is currently completing a tour in Kuwait where he continues his aggressive physical training and weight loss regiment.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

04.13.2011

Courtesy Story

201st Field Artillery

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait— For years now, Americans have been criticized by the international media for high obesity rates. After ten years of constant mobilizations and the stress accompanied with it, obesity rates in the U.S. Military have dramatically increased as the dwell-time between deployments has decreased. While the military is working over time to develop and implement weight control and physical training programs, National Guard and Reserve soldiers are often left to their own devices. As one National Guard soldier proves however, obesity can be cured and bad eating habits can change; you just have to find your own motivation.

Sgt. Kenneth Craddock, a 40 year-old medic assigned to 1/201st Field Artillery, W.Va. Army National Guard, has struggled with his weight for years. But a pending deployment, multiple health problems and his family provided the motivation for him to begin a life-changing event.

“I realized I was teaching bad eating habits to my daughters, Abigail, nine years old and Emma, six and I was failing my family with my lack of fitness,” Craddock said. “I encouraged eating fast food instead of healthy meals. I now equate it to smoking in front of your kids.”

Craddock, a case manager with the Federal Bureau of Prisons of the United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, W.Va., began aggressively trying to lose weight April of 2010. Weighing 276 pounds, Craddock knew he wouldn’t reach his goals over night.

“I didn’t get out of shape in one day and I knew I wasn’t going to get back in shape in one day,” Craddock said. “I set small, attainable and quantifiable goals in the beginning but my ultimate goals were to pass my PT test, get off the Army weight control program and get healthy.”

This month marks a full year for Craddock’s weight loss program, who, like most soldiers, suffered various setbacks due to a deployment.

During the mobilization process, it’s difficult to remain consistent with physical fitness and even the first two to three months in country are hectic and may hinder workout plans. But despite those setbacks, Craddock now meets Army height and weight standards and even passed his PT test.

“I expected setbacks,” Craddock said. “I’ve lost 48 pounds so far which averages about one pound a week. I still want to drop the unattractive belly fat but my real goal is overall fitness.”

While stationed in Kuwait, Craddock sticks to a strict workout routine.

“I focus on intensity,” Craddock explains. “It’s also important to have workouts planned in advance. When I get back home I know I won’t have time to spend two hours in the gym like I do here. I believe the workouts must be disciplined and it’s my personal responsibility to set time aside to complete those workouts and ensure they are challenging.”

Craddock is a role model for fellow servicemembers and civilians alike. Within a year, Craddock increased his PT score by 64 points and lost nearly 50 pounds. So what advise can Craddock offer others?

“Most importantly, know what you’re doing before hitting the gym or track,” Craddock said. “Not knowing causes frustration and frustration will cause you to quit. Seek help from those who are more experienced or knowledgeable. And if at all possible, involve your family and friends and try to always have fun!”

• Date Taken: 04.13.2011
• Date Posted: 04.13.2011 03:37
• Story ID: 68661
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW