I got started when I was deployed on my second go round in Iraq. It hit me when I challenged a Spc Stephenson to a quick arm wrestling match on the counter of our PLL office prior to our deployment, and I lost. That moment I had decided I needed to make a change in my life, especially if I was going to keep my soldiers motivated during the war, as their senior leader. I bought the supplements, read M&F, and grilled one of my Soldiers daily for advice on lifting. The real change happened with my eating habits and the discipline to go to the gym 6 days a week, for 1.5 hours a day and still do my job.

The changes my body have gone through is inspiring to me. That hour in the gym is my alone time for me, to gather thoughts and rationalize life. Since I started lifting I have become a positive role model to my Soldiers and my family. To be honest it has changed my relationship with my wife drastically but my confidence has gone through the roof.