‘Spring Fling’ celebrates winners, promotes health

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Force Support Squadron is scheduled to host a free "Spring Fling" event April 17 at Heritage Park here from 2 to 5 p.m. to recognize winners of recent fitness competitions and promote healthy lifestyles.

"Spring is a perfect time for a picnic in the park, and what better way to culminate the 'Beat the Boss' and 'Biggest Loser' competitions which more than 300 people competed in?" said Deborah Faircloth, 325 FSS operations director.

In the "Beat the Boss" program, contestants tried to score as high as possible on their annual physical training test in order to beat the 325th Fighter Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson's score, and in the "Biggest Loser," the objective was to see which contestants could lose the biggest amount of weight.

General Roberson will be on hand at "Spring Fling" to announce the winners of both competitions, but the cut-off time for "Biggest Loser" weigh-ins will be 5 p.m. that day, so there may be room for an upset late in the event.

The competition for "Biggest Loser" is bound to be tight.

In an event which only ran from Feb. 20 and finishes April 17, we've seen participants who've lost up to 10 to 15 pounds and shown two to five percent body loss - and these amounts were only at the mid-point weigh-in March 20, said Robert Pagenkopf, Tyndall Health and Wellness Center fitness program manager.

Refreshments provided at "Spring Fling" will be in keeping with fitness mindset.

Food and drinks prepared by the staffs of the club and Berg-Liles Dining Facility focusing on healthy habits will also be provided, Ms. Faircloth said. The menu will feature lean burgers and grilled chicken served on whole wheat buns, vegetable pasta, baked chips and fruit, as well as water, tea and diet drinks.

During the event, live music will be provided by the Americana-style band "Turtle Foot," and recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, dunk booths and volleyball will be available to take part in; the day will culminate with a 1-pitch, 6-inning softball game between junior enlisted members and company grade officers.

Though recognition serves as a major basis for the event, it is also based on member appreciation.

"As the health of our funds allows, the 325 FSS [strives to create] base-wide events such as this to serve as great opportunities to enhance Tyndall's quality of life and give something back to its community... our valued customers," Ms. Faircloth said.

Although geared mostly toward military members, families are welcome. For more information, contact 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at (850) 283-4500.