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NEWS | July 26, 2011

Warrior of the Week 7/8

A1C Sotelo, Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. He also lived in Franklin Nebraska at 8 years old for two years.

Staff Sgt. Martin, Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, was born in Dallas, Tx. and raised in Puerto Rico.

A1C Dyer, Aircrew Flight Equipment technician, was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Why are they being recognized?

In the wake of falling PT scores, the AFE shop started its own in house "Biggest Loser" Competition. In an effort to encourage stronger PT, and slimmer waistlines, the shop made it a competitive environment and the Airmen responded more strongly than could have been hoped for. The shop started with a baseline weight and weighed in weekly to monitor progress. The Airmen dove in with more robust exercise regimens and extremely disciplined diets. Shifts began their own PT programs where they worked out together every day and held each other accountable. In 60 days, three individuals lost 18, 25, and 32 pounds respectively! More importantly, of the four PT failures, all four have since passed (one with a 90.6!).

Additionally, the aircrew CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) decontamination capability was slated to take at least one year to stand up, according to Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command. Then, in March 2011, the 811 OSS/AFE demonstrated full capability, not only at the at-home station, but deployed to another location as well. The result: More than $225K was saved while meeting OPLAN requirements for the first time in seven years! This AFE supports the largest helicopter squadron (100+ assigned and attached to the aircrew) in the entire Air Force.