Spouses stay fit, social with Freedom Miles

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Freedom Miles Program started Oct. 1 at the fitness center here offering spouses of Air Force Global Strike Command deployed servicemembers motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"It's a goal-oriented program to give the deployed spouses something to drive toward," said Master Sgt. Mona Wendzillo, Airman & Family Readiness Center readiness non-commissioned officer, who collaborates between the fitness center and key spouses. "It also gives them a chance to socialize and network with other deployed spouses."

Motivation is funneled through a mileage-award system. Spouses exercise to earn mileage, which adds up to symbolize the distance it would take to reach their spouses deployed location.

"They earn a specific amount of miles depending on the workout," said Staff Sgt. Tonya Baugh, 509th Force Support Squadron, fitness programs director. "One hundred and fifty miles for a fitness center special event, 100 miles for a 60-minute fitness center class or individual work-out and 50 miles for 30-minute fitness center class or individual workout."

"The incentive program begins the day the deployed member leaves and ends the day he or she returns," said Sergeant Baugh. "Fitness is a great stress relief while they are deployed."

Each participant receives a "Fitness Passport" to keep track of their mileage. Once a passport is received, the spouse uses a computer-based program to find the distance between Whiteman and their spouse's deployed location, which gives them the amount of mileage to strive for.

A large map will be on display at the fitness center showing different locations. The distance to each destination represents the progress each spouse has made.

"The map gives the spouses a visual as to how much work they've done to reach their loved one," said Sergeant Baugh.

"If my husband deploys, I will take advantage of the program," said Angela Reed, spouse of Staff Sgt. Ronal Reed, 509th Security Forces Squadron. "I can't pass up on an opportunity to hang out and get in shape at the same time. It sounds terrific!"

For additional information, call Senior Airmen Alyssa Joseph, 509th Force Support Squadron fitness center, fitness specialist, at (660) 687-5496.