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Maxwell Airmen support Alabama State Powerlifting Championship

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert
  • 42d Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Ala. --  Maxwell Airmen volunteered at the Alabama State Powerlifting Championships hosted by Elmore County High School March 12, 2016, at Eclectic, Alabama.

There were 31 Airmen representing Gunter, Maxwell, and the 187 Fighter Wing that served as judges and score keepers for the state-wide event with 263 registered high school students in attendance.  

This is the second year Maxwell has come out to support the championships.  Without the extra support, the high school would never be able to host the event, said Dan Carpenter, Elmore County High School powerlifting coach.

"It means a lot, because last year was our first year hosting and we had several volunteers come from Maxwell, and they have made this meet run so smoothly...it's a tremendous help...the event would not happen without the extra support," said Carpenter.

Capt.Lori Alix, Company Grade Officer Council representative, helped recruit other military volunteers for the event.  She said there was a lot of excitement to be part of something that incorporated her love of fitness with contributing to the community.

"Fitness is such a big part of my life but not something I placed much emphasis on when I was that age.  As a volunteer I thought it would be an opportunity for me to be to inspire and mentor the younger generation.  However, ultimately it was me who was inspired as their dedication was beyond reproach. 

"This event not only allowed me to connect with the community but it gave me an opportunity to get involved in a sport that I normally don't compete in.  However, my fiancé is an avid competitor so it gave me a sense of pride.  Additionally, it is always great to get together and network with Airmen from other organizations.  This truly was a Total Force event," said Alix.

Community members can easily forget that Airmen live within in their communities, but the Air Force core competency, "Service Before Self," encourages Airmen to give back to the communities that so readily accepts them.

"We definitely want to share that we care about our communities. We move and become a part of the community so I think it's important to give back to them," said Capt. Andrea Gallegos, Holm Center curriculum area manager.