WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo. -- Standing at 5'6" with a petit frame, Staff Sgt. Heidi Wacker can be described as just another thin girl. What many people don't know is that she's a figure competitor.

Fitness and figure competition is a class of physique-exhibition events for women; while similar to female body building; it emphasizes muscle tone over muscle size.

Sergeant Wacker, a diet therapist with the 509th Medical Operations Squadron, Health and Wellness Center, recently competed in back-to-back competitions in October where she placed in both events. She said it's been her dream to compete for the past two years.

"I work out regularly, but I needed to set a goal I could work toward," said the Air Force Global Strike Command member. "I've always wanted to do it, and I figured there's no better time than the present."

Sergeant Wacker competed in the Saint Louis Gateway Naturals and the 2010 Kansas State Championship and Land of OZ Classics. She made it through two rounds: "figure novice tall and open figure tall," placing fourth out of more than 90 competitors in both events.

She said she went through an intensive four-month workout routine and a strict diet in order to prepare herself for this challenge.

"I was surprised I placed at all," she said. "I'm glad my hard work paid off."

Her training coach wasn't as surprised as her, she knew she would do well.

"She did extremely well for it being her first time competing," said Kelly Dillon, her personal trainer. "I was very proud. She put in the time and effort and it paid off."

Sergeant Wacker said she did this not only to reach her personal goal, but also to make herself more credible to her fitness class students here. She wanted show them how she eats healthy and exercises regularly just like she tells them to do.

"I wanted to show them that I practice what I preach," she said. "I wanted to motivate them to not only do the minimum to pass their PT test, but set higher standards for themselves."

Her husband commended her dedication and hard work.

"I am proud she did the competition not only for herself but for her career in diet therapy," said Staff Sgt. Lucas Wacker, 509th Comptroller Squadron. "She really wanted to show people that with hard work and dedication you can achieve a lot."

Now that she has competed her and placed in two competitions, she's looking forward to competing again in April.

"Now that I finished my competition, I'm even more motivated to work out and look my best," she said.

She said she is determined to keep working and not stop until she reaches her long-term goals.

"My two main goals are to one day get my pro card and to appear in a fitness magazine," she said. "I'm going to work hard toward those goals."