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Kirkuk Airmen compete for strongest in AOR

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  Five contestants in the first leg of the "Strongest in the AOR" Weightlifting Competition held at the Mt. Warrior Gym here Nov. 15 are moving on to the next level.

Senior Airman Joshua Moffie, 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron fire team member, lead the KRAB competition with a total calculated score of 463.16 earning a first-place position in for the males and U.S. Army Sgt. Elmer Arguelles came in at second place with a total score of 386.95. Senior Master Sgt. Sidney Birch, 506th ESFS assistant operations superintendent, earned third-place honors with a total score of 378.26.

Moving to the next level in the woman's category are Staff Sgt. Teela Brown, 506th ESFS radio telephone operator, who garnered a first-place finish with a total score of 218.12 and Senior Airman Whitney Slayton, 506th Expeditionary Services Squadron assistant NCOIC recreation center, who placed second with a total score of 212.63.

The purpose of the competition, which is open to all armed-forces servicemembers, civilians, contractors and coalition partners, is to recognize the strongest weight lifters in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Only the squat and bench press are used in this contest of strength. Participants are allowed three attempts at each lift and the best of the "good lifts" count toward the final score for each contestant.

The contest is not divided into weight categories as one might expect. Participants compete in only two categories; male and female. The competition is scored "pound-for-pound" with competitors being ranked on the combined weight from both lifts based on the Schwartz/Malone formulas.

"The competition was an overwhelming success," said Senior Master Sgt. Charles Kimble, 506th ESVS services superintendent. "We had eight competitors who displayed their strength and endurance during the one-day competition."

"In order to beef up participation, we partnered with KBR Recreation staff and decided to give medallions to first, second and third place winners in men and women light, middle and heavy weight categories," he said.

Contestant's reasoning for entering the competition varied.

"I represent the security forces and we strive to remain in top physical shape to get the job done," Airman Moffie said. "It feels great to win this competition.

"I try to get into the gym as much as possible," he said. "Lifting weights is also one of the biggest stress relievers out there and there is no better feeling then when you look into a mirror and see your positive gains."

The women in the competition echoed the sentiments of their male counterparts.

"Becoming fit has been my dream since 2005," Airman Slayton said. "I don't do it to impress others ... only for myself."

At age 19, Slayton was already having foot problems and was becoming depressed. Her weight was controlling her, she said.

Slayton was motivated to lose weight to lower the sizes in clothing she had to purchase. Realistic goals were set and she lost 20 pounds and two inches from her waistline, she said.

"I've learned if you want it bad enough, no matter how hard it gets ... you can make it," Airman Slayton said.

"Being in the Air Force, you have to present an image ... not only for yourself but for what you swore in to do," she said. "Your image is important. It keeps you motivated inside and out, making you walk taller, think smarter, feel and become healthier, along with the will to encourage others."

The event was refereed by Senior Master Sgt. Edward North, 506th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron chief of supply, and Master Sgt. Derek Olivieri, 506th ELRS chief of operations.

Referees are responsible for ensuring proper weight-lifting techniques are adhered to during the competition. It is their decision on whether a competitor has completed a "good lift" according to the official rules and guidelines.

The final results of the AOR weight-lifting competition are scheduled to be announced around Dec. 15.

Airman Moffie's bodyweight was 200 pounds. He lifted 370 pounds in the bench and 425 pounds in the squat events for an actual total of 795 pounds.

Sergeant Arguelles' bodyweight was 128 pounds. He lifted 200 pounds in the bench and 260 pounds in the squat events for an actual total of 460 pounds.

Sergeant Birch's bodyweight was 222 pounds. He lifted 255 pounds in the bench and 410 pounds in the squat events for an actual total of 665 pounds.

Sergeant Brown's bodyweight was 170 pounds. She lifted 105 pounds in the bench and 205 pounds in the squat events for an actual total of 310 pounds.

Airman Slayton's bodyweight was 154 pounds. She lifted 95 pounds in the bench and 185 pounds in the squat events for an actual total of 280 pounds.