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Airmen challenge selves in push-up-athon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. JT May III
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  With a look of determination in his eyes and trembling arms, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Gieras, 92nd Mission Support Squadron readiness manager, pumped out 110 push-ups in two minutes at the push-up-athon which took place Dec 6. at the Fairchild fitness center.

"The push-up-athon is a great way to get people involved because it accentuates a fit-to-fight mentality" said Sergeant Guzik.

The push-up-athon, sponsored by the First Sergeant's council, was spear-headed by Master Sgt. Joseph Guzik, 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron first sergeant. The event took place at 10:00 a.m. at the fitness center and was open to all personnel.

"The fundraiser is an inexpensive way to support those outstanding military members who are deemed as Fairchild's finest," said Chief Master Sgt. Paul Sikora, 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief.

The event hosted 15 contestants from different age groups, which included 6-year-old Joshua Heafey, son of Tech. Sgt. Valorie Whitehall, 92nd Maintenance Operation Squadron NCOIC aircraft documentation, who completed 49 push-ups.

Prior to the event, participants gathered flat-rate pledges or was told a specific amount they would be given per push-up. The member turned in the pledge sheet at registration and the event official annotated the number of pushups completed.

The member is eligible to receive donations until Dec. 12 at the conclusion of the competition. The individual with the highest dollar amount in donations turned into their first sergeant by the deadline will receive a voucher for two round trip tickets on a local airline.

"The money received from this event will help defray the costs of Fairchild Annual Award winners when they compete at AMC this spring," said Chief Sikora. "This is another example of Airmen taking care of Airmen."

The First Sergeant's Council is hoping to raise approximately $1400, which should cover the expenses for the upcoming award ceremonies.

If your unit first sergeant is unavailable, participants must make arrangements with Sergeant Guzik at 247-4352.