Air Force lieutenant breaks Army push-up record

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman J.G. Buzanowski
  • Air Force Print News
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. (AFPN) --  The installation record for the most push-ups in the gas chamber without wearing a mask was 162. And thus a challenge was made to the Airmen attending combat skills training here.

Without a second thought, 1st Lt. Stephen Maddox picked up the gauntlet.

He had certainly done more than 162 push-ups before.   The lieutenant played football for the Air Force Academy before his current assignment to the 325th Communications Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. 

Urged on by his fellow Airmen, he answered with two words: "Bring it."

First up was his actual gas chamber qualification. He would have to knock that out before moving on to the challenge. After some quick calisthenics, he dropped his mask and did 70 push-ups. For Lieutenant Maddox, it was a warm-up.

"The record was set in 2004 by a Wisconsin National Guardsman," said Army Master Sgt. Jerry Nickles, a nuclear, biological and chemical NCO and training instructor. "The push-ups aren't the problem. I've seen people do 200. It's staying in there with all that gas." 

Lieutenant Maddox and several supporters entered the chamber filled with tear gas. He tore off his mask and immediately hit the ground to start his shot at the record.

Others joined in, removing their gas masks as well and keeping pace with the lieutenant. One Airman did 17 before he had to get out. Another did as many as 50. By the time Lieutenant Maddox hit his first 70, he hit his stride.

"I knew I had to just keep at it," the lieutenant said. "There was no way I was going to quit."

He took a couple of breaks, but as the effects of the gas would set in, he immediately got back to task. One by one, his supporters fled the room, the gas too much for them to stay inside.

A few minutes later, Lieutenant Maddox emerged from the chamber. A crowd of more than 100 Airmen stood by, waiting to hear if he'd done it.

"165!" someone yelled out. The crowd went wild; his boisterous supporters kept calling out the number. No one could believe it, not even the Soldier instructors.

"Plenty have tried and have done 50, 60, 70," Sergeant Nickles said. "I certainly didn't think he'd do it. That record will be around for a while; no one is breaking that."

For Lieutenant Maddox, the victory was one of Air Force pride and friendly competition with the sister services.

"When they told us about it, they issued it as a challenge," Lieutenant Maddox said. "The Air Force never backs down from a challenge.

"Plus it's always good to beat the Army," laughed the former offensive lineman.