Push-up contest builds teamwork

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kirsten Wicker
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Base squadron teams met at the base track pavilion here Aug. 22 to flex their push-up muscles in a contest designed to build teamwork and raise money to benefit the victims of recent flooding in the Midwest. 

The inaugural First Sergeants Push-up Contest pitted teams of squadron members against each other in a race to see which team could do the most push-ups in 10 minutes. The event was held primarily as a fundraiser for the Services to Armed Forces Program for the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, benefitting victims of the recent Iowa floods.

"About 75 percent of our proceeds went to the Red Cross and 25 percent to the First Sergeants Council," said Master Sgt. John Rogers, 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant. 

Each squadron had five team members with at least one female, a push-up counter and, of course, people to cheer them on. Participants received one-time pledges or a money value pledge for each push-up completed. 

"This is a team building event," said Sergeant Rogers. "The camaraderie, the pride in challenging yourself and the knowledge that you supported an outstanding organization is what this event was all about." 

The 62nd Security Forces Squadron team won the competition with a total 1,153 push-ups. The 62nd Medical Squadron came in second and the 62nd Civil Engineering Squadron finished third. 

"We encouraged each other a lot during the contest," said Tech. Sgt. Mike Dauback, winning security forces team captain. "We have a good physical training program. Our team members workout up to six times a week and even after a mid-shift they will do PT." 

The team came out to support a good cause and have some fun, he said. 

"The first sergeants' focus is on people. They truly are our business," said Senior Master Sgt. Fay Noil, 62nd Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "We wanted to take this opportunity to come together, display some 'espirt de corps' and just help people. What better way than then through this challenge that not only supports our local American Red Cross, but McChord's First Sergeant Council people programs?"

Medals were awarded for the top three finishers. A trophy was presented to the team with the most pledges. The push-up contest will become an annual event for the McChord First Sergeant Council.