Some of it was to pass the time on deployment. Mostly, it was a desire to be there with my kids and be a positive role model for them.

I've tried so many different ways to get in shape, and given them up almost as quickly as I started. Partly, it's the way I'm shaped, but mostly I just didn't enjoy them. But I decided to give bodybuilding a try, and something clicked for the first time ever. It was fun, and it was satisfying. Even the smallest bit of progress makes me feel a sort of vindication in what I'm doing. And, I'm doing something most Americans just can't get their minds right for.

In short, it's awesome.