Made up my mind, then one year passed.

Lifelink

Got out the Navy, went to college, started a family, and gained a massive amount of weight. I decided that I was no longer happy doing the civilian rat-race and wanted to go back- but into the Army. April 11th, 2013, I started to progressively make small changes in my lifestyle that led to an overall big change which I got really comfortable with overtime as my body adjusted. I started talking to recruiters around 246 lbs to start gauging options and get a feel for MOS's that were open to mentally prepare myself since I had time while still dropping weight; however, all the recruiters I talked to blew me off except one. As he saw me continually drop weight, he kept encouraging me to keep pushing and he pep talked me and my family on what to expect transitioning over to the Army.

Needless to say, everything went fine at MEPS this past January and I have my ship date. And the ****-eating grin on SFC's face is priceless every time he sees me walk through the office these days. Him and one of the other Sergeants like to rub in the others faces for blowing me off like they did back then and are talking about trying to get me into the Army Times magazine to tell my story that I've condensed down here.

Hard to believe I started at 20 min. jogs at 4.5 mph 1 year ago (and dying lol) to becoming one of the top 3 runners in the platoon making 2 miles in 14 min during the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) with ease at age 28.



Army MOS wise, if you're curious, here's a link- and no, I'm not joking. -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apxJnaxtIZ0

kwaz29

amazing progress! congrats on increasing your running pace so much...very inspirational

newdayhasbegun

Congrats to you! Your hard work paid off. More than that, you sent a high goal for yourself and pushed through it until you succeeded. Very impressive and inspirational!

elghee123

I hope your story will be published on the Army Times magazine!!! Job well done!

Miffylou

Congratulations on all your success. You've proved it's not just about the loosing weight but all the benefits that come along with it.????????????

Squamation

Thank you for your continued service in our armed forces.

AND- kick @ss job on your weight loss.

wyattj99

Congrats for serving our country and your weight loss! My son just left 3 days ago for National Guard #Armystrong

LULUREBEL

Congratulations! And thank you for your service!

QueenE_

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the Army as much as my husband does.

Lifelink

Thanks everyone for the kind words! I hope this does help motivate and/or inspire someone to do more for themselves, because if I can, ANYBODY can! As the old Navy Chief's motto goes, "Results, not excuses!"

I have every intention on staying in until I decide to retire 16+ years from now; not making the mistake of getting out again. It took me 4 years, post-Navy, of soul-searching to realize that this IS what I want to do for the rest of my life and no other career path will satisfy me.

On a funny note, it's hilarious to have a skinny cross-country high school kid point out and say, "Man! For a big guy, you can run! You left all of us behind!" Damn skippy... wait until I get out of BCT & AIT.

Ahhh... can't wait to see Ft. Benning here soon. :]

KaleeCat

That's awesome! My uncle was in the Navy and I have several cousins who are in the Army, thank you for serving your country and doing what you love! I hope that article gets published, you deserve it