Changing careers and lives

  • Published
  • By Kevin Chandler
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When the measuring tape circling his midsection read 44 inches, Tech. Sgt. T.J. Sinclair, a flight training instructor with the 54th Air Refueling Squadron, "knew then and there something had to be done." With his annual fitness test looming just a couple months in the future, Sergeant Sinclair needed results, and he needed them fast. His unit physical training leader suggested he make an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center. That decision, it turned out, was just the start Sergeant Sinclair needed.

At the HAWC Sergeant Sinclair met Mr. Karl Leonard, the 97th Air Mobility Wing HAWC Outreach Coordinator. A former infantryman and exercise science major at Arizona State University, Mr. Leonard has years of physical fitness experience and expertise. Since joining the HAWC here, Mr. Leonard has started a run clinic to help improve fitness test run times and established the core class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to noon. "You feel like you ran five miles when it (the class) is done," Mr. Leonard explained.

When asked to describe his experience with Mr. Leonard, Sergeant Sinclair said, "I feel like I finally found a mentor."

With the help of Master Sgt. Cristina Saguin, HAWC Nutrition Program Manager, Mr. Leonard designed a fitness regimen tailored to Sergeant Sinclair's needs. The program included both cardio and strength training to increase calorie burning while maintaining muscle mass. Sergeant Sinclair's chain of command lent a hand as well, allowing him sufficient gym time when he is not flying.

Sergeant Sinclair also quit smoking, although Mr. Leonard was not the one who persuaded him to do so. It was his four-year-old son who convinced Sergeant Sinclair to give up the longtime habit.

"He told me 'it's not good for you Daddy, and I don't want you to die," Sergeant Sinclair recalled, "I crumpled up the pack right there and haven't smoked since."

Citing Ron from television's "The Biggest Loser" as a role model, Sergeant Sinclair motivates his workouts and meal planning with the knowledge his example is teaching his family a healthy lifestyle. Instead of following a "fad diet" Sergeant Sinclair has chosen instead to cut portions and make healthy food choices a habit.

And these healthy habits have integrated into the Sinclair household. Following the advice of Sergeant Saguin, the Sinclair family has given up soda and now drinks water mixed with Crystal Light flavorings. Doritos have been tossed out, replaced by celery and low-fat ranch dressing.

Sergeant Sinclair's workouts are spreading through the family as well. "When I do sit-ups, my kids get down on the floor and do them with me," he explained. "My wife has lost 35 pounds during this too. It's great to inspire this change in my family," Sergeant Sinclair continued.

The HAWC is creating change for others as well. Mr. James Coffidis, 97 AMW Family Advocacy Treatment Manager, went to Mr. Leonard last October for help losing weight. Mr. Coffidis, a retired Air Force major, was concerned his weight gain following his retirement would lead to health issues. Mr. Leonard helped him design a program consisting of three or four workouts per week. "Since October, I've lost about 25 pounds," Mr. Coffidis said proudly.

While that weight loss has been slow at times, Mr. Coffidis and Mr. Leonard see this as a good thing. "That's actually best because you keep it off," Mr. Coffidis explained. In addition, he lost four inches from his abdominal circumference. This is important because, according to Mr. Leonard, the visceral fat surrounding abdominal organs is the most dangerous and presents the greatest health risks.

"I feel better, I have more energy and I can put two big bags of dog food on my shoulder to carry into the house," Mr. Coffidis said, "that feels pretty good at 56 (years old)." Although he is happy with his progress, Mr. Coffidis is not finished.

"I want to lose another 15 or 20 pounds," Mr. Coffidis stated. With the HAWC helping him along the way, that goal is within reach. "They're so good there, and it's free. It's such a great resource," he said.

Sergeant Sinclair is also proud of all he has accomplished so far. His body fat has gone down almost four percent in three weeks, and his abdominal circumference is steadily decreasing. The measuring tape that started Sergeant Sinclair's lifestyle change now shows the reward of his dedication. And every time his kids "crank out" sit-ups, those rewards spread through his family.

"I love the Air Force," Sergeant Sinclair said with a smile, "but doing this for my family means even more."

To schedule an appointment with Mr. Leonard and the staff at the Health and Wellness Center, call 481- 5552. 

NOTE: Tech. Sgt. Sinclair's condition was the result of injuries sustained in a car accident. The injuries made it impossible for him to participate in a fitness regimen, leading to weight gain.