Liberty Wing takes on state fitness challenge

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  When 21-year-old Erin Groth woke up Feb. 12 and found her father had shoveled the driveway free of more than 6 inches of snow she was pleasantly surprised, said her father, 512th Airlift Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Groth. 

“I wasn’t going to let her steal my six points,” the chaplain said. 

On Feb. 4, Chaplain Groth, along with more than 120 wing members, signed up for the Lieutenant Governor’s Challenge, a 12-week program where individuals track their activities and earn points based on every 30 minutes of movement. 

“The wing is participating in the challenge to promote fitness and help unit members prepare for their physical fitness test,” said Tech. Sgt. Kim Snyder, 512th AW fitness coordinator. 

The Lieutenant Governor’s challenge was started because too few Delawareans are getting the recommended amount of physical activity and to get Delawareans motivated to have a more active and healthier lifestyle, said Jill Morrison, special assistant to the Lieutenant Governor. 

There are 60 activities, which range from running to house cleaning, said Sergeant Snyder. The more intense the activity, the higher the point value earned. Based on how many points are earned, participants are eligible for a gold, silver or bronze medal. 

Chaplain Groth, who is on the 512th Mission Support Group Over-30 Basketball Team, said his goal is to earn a gold medal. As of Feb. 22, he has earned 96 points. 

“My wife particularly loves that I get four points for every half hour of house cleaning,” he said. “And, I regret that I can’t get points for roller skating but I can’t find size 17 skates.” 

Chaplain Groth and his staff are tracking their activities in the challenge booklet. On May 12 they will tally their points, fill out the award card in the booklet, and send it to Sergeant Snyder, in the 512th AW Command Staff section, who will forward the results to the Lieutenant Governor’s office, he said.