HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Active duty Airmen here now have access to an additional resource to bolster their health and wellness prior to their physical fitness assessments.
Stephen Strosser, a strength and conditioning specialist at the Fitness and Sports Center, is working to develop training programs for members who scored an 80 percent or less on their most recent PFA.
“I’m here to not only help improve an annual score, but I can help individuals control their breathing, manage anxiety, or learn about nutrition,” said Strosser. “It’s all about keeping our people in mission-ready shape.”
Originally from Dover, Delaware, Strosser served in the U.S. Navy as a master-at-arms. Though he was always an athlete growing up, it was an additional duty as his unit’s command fitness leader that solidified his love for physical training, as well as his passion for helping others achieve their goals.
“Seeing the impact I had on my fellow sailors by helping them become more confident in their skills was very rewarding for me,” he said.
The installation strategic plan’s second line of effort, “Building Better Airmen,” focuses on developing Airmen’s innovation and resiliency. While physical wellness is a pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, senior leaders here say it is also a foundational piece of Airmen development.
“As military members, our physical fitness plays just as crucial a role in our mission as our professional development and tactical proficiency,” said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Desaulniers, 66th Security Forces Squadron superintendent and LOE 2 champion. “These classes are a great opportunity for our Airmen to push themselves, and ultimately better themselves.”
At Hanscom AFB Strosser is now looking to develop a circuit training program that will improve scores, as well as the longevity of service members’ health, by focusing on injury-preventing exercises.
“I’m not here to crush anybody; I want this program to be fun and enjoyable,” he said. “After all, that’s how physical training should be.”
Active duty Airmen can walk-in to Strosser’s free classes at the Fitness and Sports Center here Monday through Friday at 7 a.m. or noon.
Classes last about 30 to 45 minutes each.
Strosser said he is looking for ways to expand his classes to more members of the Hanscom AFB community, including civilians, in the future.
“If someone comes to my class twice a week for two months, I’m confident I can help them increase their fitness and their scores,” he said.
For additional information about classes and programs, email Stephen.A.Strosser.civ@health.mil, or contact the fitness center at 781-225-6630.