D-M CAF Day: Physically "Charged"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chris Massey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Comprehensive Airman Fitness is a lifestyle taught to strengthen an Airman mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.  The Desert Lightning Team celebrated the physical pillar of CAF Day.

The physical pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness is defined as performing and excelling in physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, flexibility and body composition derived through exercise, nutrition and training.

To help spread the message about being physically fit, Jarret Johnson, linebacker for the National Football League San Diego Chargers, was invited to visit D-M and participate in CAF Day events by the 355th Fighter Wing vice commander, March 3-5.

"I think there is a really good correlation between athletics and the military," said Col. Michael T. Rawls, 355th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Football is an easier comparison because it's very much a battle space that if you don't prepare yourself to play right, you are either going to be ineffective, have a greater chance of hurting yourself or getting your teammates hurt. No team is any better than its weakest player and that aspect, to me, is the most closely related to the requirements of the NFL."

During a question and answer session with Airmen, Johnson shared experiences and lessons he's learned throughout his football career and how he sees them applied in the military as well.

"It's good to be around servicemembers and see the correlation of relying on your teammates and working together in everything you do," said Johnson. "Like football, the only way you're going to achieve your personal goals is on the backs of your teammates. I would suspect the military is the same way. You have to do it as a group."

Johnson participated in a team Combat NFL Fitness Challenge and a crossfit competition. His team, complete with himself and four Airmen, won the fitness challenge and he tied with Rawls for first place in the crossfit competition.

"I thought it would be a neat opportunity to let the Airmen meet him, and honestly I know he will get as much out of this as any of the Airmen will," Rawls said. "It's always good to share with celebrities what we do."