News>Commentary - Deployed Airman loses 40+ pounds, scores 99.8 on fitness test
Photos
Master Sgt. Shane Sullivan works out on a rowing machine May 2, 2013, while deployed to Southwest Asia. Sullivan lost more than 40 pounds, scored a 99.8 on his fitness test and won the wing’s Biggest Loser contest. Sullivan is assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer)
Master Sgt. Shane Sullivan sits with his son prior to his decision to get healthy. Sullivan lost more than 40 pounds, won the wing's Biggest Loser competition and scored a 99.8 on his fitness test during his deployment. Sullivan is assigned to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity office. (Courtesy photo)
Commentary by Master Sgt. Shane Sullivan
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity
5/7/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- (Editor's Note: Master Sgt. Shane Sullivan, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity officer, lost more than 40 pounds, scored a 99.8 on his fitness test and won the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's "Biggest Loser" competition during his deployment here.)
You want to get in shape during your deployment, but what does that mean? Do you want to lose weight or score better on your fitness test?
Before I left Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., for this deployment, I promised myself, and my leadership, I would return a new person. I set a lofty goal and told anyone who would listen, which initially helped me be accountable for my choices. I predicted I would lose 40 pounds. People encouraged me, but still pointed out it was a lot of weight and it would be tough.
After allowing myself a couple weeks to get acclimated, I began the battle on my waistline. I kept hearing about early risers who participated in an exercise regimen that was intense, awful, awesome and fun all at the same time. I decided to try it. Just before Thanksgiving, I went to my first class. Three days later, I regained movement and was able to go back. I scaled my workouts and tailored them to my abilities.
The more I focused on skill work and proper form, the more my body responded. I was running faster, lifting more weight and recovering quicker. When I needed motivation, my workout brothers and sisters were there to encourage and inspire me -- and each other.
While I attribute much of my success to exercise, I had to do my part in the dining facility as well. I drastically cut carbohydrates, ate smaller portions and made better choices. I didn't starve myself and yes, I had a cookie or two once in a while.
Did I have setbacks? Yes, I was down for a few days with arthritis pain and there was at least one week, during which, I gained weight instead of losing it. I didn't let it discourage me. I used those moments to motivate me to work harder.
I was also able to compete in the wing's Biggest Loser competition. By the time it started, I had already lost 13 pounds and was entrenched in my routine.
When the contest was over, I had lost an additional 30 pounds and placed first. I scheduled my fitness test with the hope that having lost more than 40 pounds and having worked out for five months I would be ready. I could never have predicted just how ready I was.
I scored better at 40 years of age than I ever have, a 99.8. Twenty years ago, I ran my 1.5 mile test in 10:24. This time I ran it in 10:06. I reached my goal of losing 40 pounds., took 7 inches off my waist and I'm in the best shape of my life.
I set a specific goal, set my mind to it and stuck to it. I know I am not alone. Miracles do not happen overnight; they can take days, weeks or months depending on the goal.
Now it is time for a new goal. I have to promise myself I will never look like I did five months ago ever again.
You, too, can accomplish your goals. Dream big and work hard to achieve that dream, you can do it.
Air Force fitness centers offer a variety of workouts, just visit your local staff and find out which one is right for you.
Comments
6/13/2013 9:13:49 PM ET Congrats We miss you all so much here.
Kelly, Seward AK
5/15/2013 4:36:00 PM ET I think it is great that MSgt Sullivan turned his life around and became healthy but I have to agree with JD he should have never been so overweight in the first place. Excellence in all we do is not a catchphrase it is a way of life. Many of us are happy to receive a military discount or get a free dinner on veteran's day but when it comes time to actually be in the military we cry foul. Physical standards are easy to manage as we have total control over them.
Justin Lotsbom, Vandenberg
5/15/2013 10:49:54 AM ET Thanks for sharing MSgt Sullivan You said you cut back on carbs. Can you elaborate on the foods that you ate regularly
SSgt B, IL ANG
5/14/2013 3:42:37 PM ET Yo MSgt Sullivan you ain't gotta explain anything to the haters When deployed you actually realize how much time you have to take care of your body. Working out becomes a healthy addiction once you get in the swing of things. I am proud of you for taking the time to be a REAL leader. Being in shape IS a part of our JOB. Regardless of where you work in the US Military. Good job Sir
SSgt Gonzalez, An MPS Near YOU
5/14/2013 2:33:34 PM ET Congratulations MSgt Sullivan. The article and these comments are interesting. First I found nothing wrong with MSgt Mike Hamilton's question. To me it is an obvious question to ask it is not hate. Next the answer to that question and the article gives a lot of advice for fellow SNCOs. 1. Just passing is not enough. Have a better goal and be a better example to your Airmen. Let them see you reach and attain that goal. It's never too late to lead by example. 2. You don't have to burn your airmen to reach your goals. MSgt Sullivan worked out at 0500. Many of us need to learn how to make it work before work hours or after. Thats in anything extra...school volunteering etc. 3. Air Force Appearance. MSgt Sullivan stated that he was on that fine line and many of us may fit that category. Some have multiple sized uniforms in the closet for weight gain. We need to say this isn't good enough and strive for better. 4. Stay accessible MSgt Sullivan kept his cell on him and we
Salon, Pen
5/14/2013 4:34:51 AM ET Congratulations MSgt Sullivan It is very easy to exercise just enough to barely pass the PT test. It is HARD to go the extra mile and increase your fitness and change your diet. You are a remarkable role-model for your son and this will impact him more than you think. I hope you bring this healthy lifestyle back to your home and family. Being healthy is not just for active duty but for everyone.
Heidi, Lajes
5/14/2013 2:21:35 AM ET Congrats MSgt Sullivan I kind of know what you've gone through. I did something similar just before I retired losing 43 pounds and was in the best shape of my life. Always remember how you feel right now and do your best to maintain it. It's harder as you get older but anyone can do it as long as you have the drive to be better.
Retiree, Misawa AB Japan
5/13/2013 11:59:22 PM ET He should be promoted immediately to Col he is now qualified to run a wing.
PT n Bake Sale Warrior, Here
5/13/2013 9:14:18 PM ET Well Tak post your name rank and PT score.We'd all love to see a perfect verifiable PT test.
TSgt Warren, Keesler AFB MS
5/13/2013 7:37:17 PM ET Tak While you sarcastically mentioned that 99.8 is not good enough in the nuclear field you also made a mathematical error. You said he needs to improve .02 to achieve perfection. If you add .02 to 99.8 you wind up with 99.82. If you want to say something to minimize someone else's efforts I sincerely hope that you would make sure you're correct.
MSgt Brian Potvin, Deployed Southwest Asia
5/13/2013 5:49:36 PM ET Editor's note: This comment was rejected due to incompliance with our comment rules. Please review the comment rules, which can be found just above the comment submission form.
SrA Yokota Japan, Japan
5/13/2013 2:31:53 PM ET In the nuclear field a 99.8 is not good enough. Hopefully he can improve .02 and achieve perfection andthat can become his new standard.
Tak, Retiredville USA
5/13/2013 12:08:24 AM ET It is very disappointing and embarrasing to read all the negative comments coming from fellow AirmenNCOSNCO. As a Senior Airman I look up to those who are higher ranking to motivate every airman. BUt what a shame all those who are putting down this remarkable person. What example are you creating for the younger Airman. MSgt Sullivan you accomplished so much. Please do not let anyone take away the great example that you did. Many of us applaud you
SrA, Yokota Japan
5/12/2013 3:09:56 AM ET Congratulations MSgt Sulivan I know your struggle. I am currently deployed and have lost 40 pounds since Jan. After suffering a spinal injury in 2010 with surgery and complications that went along with it I finally recovered although I passed my fitness test I was far from the example I wanted to set. I struggled not only physicallyI was mentally afraid of reinjury and over the years I gained weight Once I was cleared to deploy I made up my mind that I would return a differnt person and after losing 40 pounds I feel greatboth physically and most importantly mentally and can not wait to return next month and take my fitness test and inspire others. Thank you for your story and service.
SMSg Ely, Camp Phoenix
5/10/2013 4:04:12 PM ET Well done Master Sergeant Thanks for sharing your tale. I enjoyed the humor as you told of your initial struggles. Congratulations and keep up the healthy lifestyle
Mark, Lajes
5/10/2013 3:31:47 PM ET What a positive story. Congrats MSgt Sullivan and thanks for serving. Ignore the ridiculous critical comments and keep pressing on. Some folks troll these AF stories looking for anything to comment on whether uniform infractions or other ridiculous nonsense.
Maj Wilk, Edwards
5/10/2013 10:46:21 AM ET Well put SMSgt Kuwanoe and congrats MSgt Sullivan People need to realize that we aren't all built the same there are some of us in the AF who do have weight issues. As long as we pass our PT test and keep pressing to maintain and maybe go beyond the standards what is it anyone else's business Some people always feel a need to play the troll and be argumentative maybe it makes them feel important.
Sgt M, OK
5/10/2013 7:48:02 AM ET If there's anything I can't stand in the Air Force it's the ability of some to find the negativity in everything they see. It's worse when it comes from SNCOs and NCOs. Your attitude rubs off on our Airmen and makes it okay for them to fall into the cycle where they end up as negative NCOs and SNCOs when they come up. Take this good news story for what it is and use it to motivate your folks who are having a hard time meeting the standard. Life is more enjoyable when you look for positives in everything you see.
SMSgt Frank Kuwanoe, Andrews AFB
5/9/2013 10:58:41 PM ET I can't get over all the hating going on here MSgt HamiltonMsgtKJD Deployed - you guys better have some top notch PT scores yourselves if you're going to get on here and talk smack. Way to be Wingmen people. If you're so disenfranchised that you must use a forum like this to try and minimize someone else's accompmlishment you need to seriously consider separatingretiring ASAP. It's disgusting that someone does something positive and your first thought is to try and tear him down. Shame on you. MSgt Sullivan as a former fatty myself with a story similar to yours I salute you. You've made a significant accomplishment and I wish you the best in maintaining your new stud status
MSgt Greg Brooks, Wright-Patterson AFB
5/9/2013 8:20:00 PM ET MSgt Sullivan IS my supervisor state side. For those of you hating on him you don't know him. If you'd just read the article you'd see that he left no one else to carry on the load of his work. Just read people What he did has inspired me I'm by no means over weight and what my amazing supervisor has done has done nothing but inspire me I am getting ready to deploy myself and he has done nothing but encourage me to dig deep within myself to find something to improve upon. Although I think of myself as already fit he has encouraged me to go beyond my normal capabilities. I am now into muscle training which is something I never gave a second thought to. My husband got me into it and my supervisor has taught me that there are no limits I was scrawny and thin but between MSgt Sullivan and my hubby I realize there are no limits Thank you MSgt Sullivan for inspiring me to become more than what I am You are awesome So proud to be your troop or Airman or what eve
TSgt Warren, Keesler AFB MS
5/9/2013 5:02:49 PM ET Congrats MSgt Sullivan Doing just enough to pass is something anyone can fall into. Pulling yourself out of it cutting excuses changing habits are all difficult. Once you do it though it's easier to maintain. Keep it up and keep it off It took a diamond to motivate me to PT excellence and I ended up one of your oh-dark-thirty gym rats deployed and at home...once I put my mind to it.Don't let naysayers get to you. Anyone doing anything other than congratulating you on getting healthy and setting a good example has personal issues to work out themselves.Congrats again
Used To Be Chunky Chicken, AF
5/9/2013 4:37:05 PM ET JD you would be surprised. I was deployed and lost 35 lbs and everyone who knew me and saw me didn't believe I had that much to loose. Another person I was deployed with lost approx 50 lbs and he didn't appear to have that weight to lose and had passed his PT test without any waivers before the weight loss.MSgt Sullivan congrats on the weight loss and PT test score. The next challenge you will face is maintaining your fitness when you return to the states.
CC, been deployed
5/9/2013 3:41:11 PM ET I am very happy and proud of you. Its nice seeing that you lost so much weight especially a man taking five months to lose 40 pounds..bc generally men lose faster than women. You truly give me hope that I can do it also.
AF Mom2, JBC SC
5/9/2013 12:51:27 PM ET MSgt SullivanThanks for sharing your story. Some of the comments posted here are flat out ridiculous. I'm glad you took the time to post a comment clearning things up. You wanted to make improvementschanges because you wanted to and I'm sure you shared your story in hopes of inspiring others. I think it's ridiculous that people would automatically assume that you'd use your duty time or do it on the backs of your Airmen. There are plenty of Airmen who could benefit from your story and I hope they do. Other people need to quit hating and if they're going to take the time to be know it all's or make snide comments then maybe they should take a good hard look at themselves and see what they can improve upon.
AD , NV
5/9/2013 4:40:02 AM ET This is a great job and hopefully he stays with the program. But he shouldn't have had 40lbs and 7in to lose...
JD, Deployed
5/9/2013 2:05:35 AM ET Folks if you have any further questions we will refer you to MM from Florida he knows everything.
DD, Manas
5/8/2013 9:16:34 AM ET @MSgtK in the article it states - I kept hearing about early risers who participated in an exercise... - to me it sounds like he got up early prior to duty and participated in what sounds like crossfit. By the way we don't have any troops in the Air Force we have Airmen.
MM, FL
5/8/2013 9:10:30 AM ET Thank you all but to clear up a few things. I was overweight but could pass my PT tests. I was on that fine line of professional appearance not something I was proud of. I am still deployed I run a one person shop so no troops have to pick up my slack. My gym time started at 0500 in the morning so I would not impact my office hours and I had my office cell phone at all times so I could be contacted at any time just in case. Thanks again for the support
MSgt Shane Sullivan, 380 AEW
5/8/2013 9:05:51 AM ET Congrats MSgt Sullivan not only for your accomplishment but also for your willingness to put yourself out there and tell your story There are going to be people who want to snipe at you but the important thing to remember is that you could be inspiring someone who is facing the same struggle with your success.
Capt Belena Marquez, Hurlburt Field
5/8/2013 4:16:25 AM ET MSgt Sullivan congratulations and great job slaying your nemesis. It is absolutely important for you to talk to those who are falling short of the standard and give them your recipe for success. I am proud of your drive and dedication to make yourself a better role model for your son and the USAF. Share your story brother Airmen need to hear it.Chief CZ
CMSgt Ramon CZ Colon-Lopez, Kadena AB Japan
5/7/2013 9:26:41 PM ET Not to rain on someones parade but I would like to know what his troop had to say about how much work he did in his shop during this time. Were his troops off from work as much as he was The ones I saw living in the gym while I deployed put their workouts before the mission and their subordinates had to pick up the slack. I am not say this was true about the above mentioned SNCO but I would like to know the rest of the story...
MSgtK, JBLE
5/7/2013 3:31:31 PM ET @Mike you can be overweight and still be eligible for deployment. According to the AF I am overweight but can pass my PT test and have deployed multiple times including outside the wire missions without issue.
MM, FL
5/7/2013 3:23:45 PM ET @ MSgt Mike Hamilton--He was allowed to go on the deployment because his Commander determined he was fit to do the job. End of story Additionally the missing information is personalprivacy act data that is irrelevant to this outstanding success story Great job MSgt Sullivan...well done
Ret.SMSgt Scott Wallick, Peoria AZ
5/7/2013 2:00:01 PM ET That's fabulous Congratulations on your scoreYou now have a unique perspective on how it feels to go through being overweight and trying to lose the weight under pressure also trying to pass the fitness test.Now you have a new way to mentor your Amn under you as well as those in your squadron. I pray you don't let this opportunity pass you by because it is needed. Their are many that are only looking out for themselves look out for those around you and under you....
Sandy, NM
5/7/2013 12:19:50 PM ET First Congratulations on losing all that wieght. But I am curious....what sort of fitness condition was he in to start with The second photo appears to show him somewhat overweight and if that's the case why was he allowed to go on the deployment Againjust curious there seems to be alot of information left out of this story.
MSgt. Mike Hamilton, March ARB Ca
5/7/2013 11:27:10 AM ET MSgt SullivanCongratulations. Our Air Force your unit and your family will be able to have you around longer Please take this knowledge and experience and pass it on to those around you. The important part is setting a goal and exceeding it. Great job.
