C-130 crew chief inspires others to succeed in fitness

Published Dec. 4, 2013
By Master Sgt. Daniel Butterfield
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Tech. Sgt. Vic Bejarano saw a disturbing trend in his shop -- co-workers and friends losing stripes and suffering the consequences for failing their fitness tests. Bejarano talked to his wife about what he saw as a growing problem and she told him to do something about it.

So he did. Now, from 11:30 to noon, Monday through Friday outside (or inside depending on the weather) 302nd Airlift Wing aircraft maintenance buildings you will find the crew chief and around 20 others working through a fitness routine created by, and led by Bejarano, an Air Reserve Technician.

"I'd walk in and somebody has one less stripe or somebody couldn't pass their PT test. It was pretty obvious it was a problem. I was the guy sitting around watching my fellow coworkers, Reservists, brothers and sisters getting themselves in a bad situation because of the physical fitness exam. Not everyone is a professional when it comes to training themselves or doing the right things nutrition- wise," said Bejarano. "It was hard for me to talk to some of these guys about this. There are a lot of proud, proud men around here. They don't want to hear you. But I got some to listen to me. We started as a group of five. We started training. We were trying to make a difference."

Training for this group can mean anything from flipping a giant tire, squatting or lunging with sandbags on their shoulders, using boxes to jump on or step up on, running, different variations on sit-ups and pushups and whatever else Bejarano can come up with. It's a varied workout with several stations and constant motion with the end goal of preparing and passing the fitness test and leading healthier lives.

"The goal is high intensity in a short amount of time, we get something done in 30 minutes or less that could take someone two hours to do," said Bejarano.

He got his start as a CrossFit student three years ago. And now he and his wife train others on the workouts, both on and off base. He coaches people on fitness and nutrition and making the right choices. He stresses it is a complete lifestyle. Fitness has always been the lifestyle choice for Bejarano. His family's medical history motivated him to stay fit.

"I come from a background of very obese and unfit people in my family. My father did not make it past 45 years old, my grandfather only made it to his mid-fifties, maybe early sixties. If I don't live a healthy lifestyle, that's the path I'm on. I'm trying to break the cycle of what I grew up seeing," said Bejarano. "We teach our kids to live healthy, to eat healthy, to be active. It's just part of life for us. It makes me a better person. It makes me happy. It makes me energetic. It makes me want to help other people."

His workouts have had dramatic effects on those who commit to his training and advice. Senior Airman Scott Funston, crew chief, 302nd aircraft maintenance squadron, lost 40 pounds in seven weeks. He went from a failing score of 72 to a 91 and says he is in the best shape of his life.

Master Sgt. Steve Cisneros, isochronical inspection dock section supervisor, 302nd maintenance squadron, had a similar story. "It all started with another PT fail, I have always walked that border between a pass and fail. A good friend told me about the program and what it has done for him. At this point I couldn't afford to fail another test. So I decided to join. The first day was brutal. I made it through 10 minutes and was sore from head to toe. I kept going Monday thru Thursday whether my body wanted to or not. Eventually I got better at it. As far as the overall results I have lost 1.5 inches off my waist, did 20 more sit-ups, and lost 1 minute, 45 seconds off my run. My overall test score went from 74.4 to 89.89. All this was within three months."

Bejarano stresses he is not an Air Force fitness program. It is a volunteer program. He gives recommendations and says if you stay with it, you will see results. But because he is donating his time and equipment he wants a commitment from whoever wants to join the class.

"I like to sit down with everybody and give them my expectations. My wife and I have a business, we do this on the outside. If I'm going to give you my time, my skills, my training, then I want you to at least sit down with me. I need to see you three to four days a week. It's got to be a commitment. I'm giving you my time. You have to give me your time. And it's only 30 minutes," said Bejarano.

The 302nd Airlift Wing held a "fitness challenge" over the September Unit Training Assembly with 10 different CrossFit stations set up around the base picnic grounds. Seventeen teams competed. There were three teams comprised of Bejarano's students. They finished in the top four spots, with his team winning the competition.

"This place is completely different. There is something going on around here that I haven't seen in years. These guys have a lot of pride with what's going on. Some of the guys who competed yesterday [in the fitness challenge] could not pass their PT test four months ago. Now they are competing in a wing competition and winning," said Bejarano.

Maj. John Drain, 302nd aircraft maintenance squadron commander agrees. "Tech. Sgt. Bejarano has done a great job motivating these Airmen to improve their fitness. The average participant in this program increases their score by 12 percent."

Bejarano added, "Now they are enjoying a healthy lifestyle. I think it's not only made them better at their jobs, but who they are as everyday people. There's a sense of morale going on around here that I haven't seen in a really long time."

Editor's note: The Peterson Health and Wellness Center also offers a "boot camp" style workout and other fitness and wellness programs. Call (719) 556-4462 for more details.

CrossFit challenge