Get In Step with the Program
by Roger Teel
U.S. Army Hospital, Wuerzburg

Dressed against the morning chill, Michelle Batiste and Sandy Kamena start out on their daily walk around Leighton Barracks.

There's a move afoot, quite literally, that's changing the shape of every Big Red One community.

It's called "Walk to Iraq - and Back," a grassroots wellness program that sprang to life as the 1st Infantry Division deployed last month.

The program targets family members of deployed soldiers but is open to all who are interested. Participants must average 11 miles per day to complete the overall 4,000 mile goal - the distance from Wuerzburg to Baghdad and back - in 12 months. Those who "Walk to Iraq" and accumulate 2,000 miles in 12 months (an average of 6.5 miles for six days a week) will also be recognized.

Bonus miles are awarded for those who participate with their Family Readiness Group, or FRG, and double miles are awarded for participation in community fitness activities such as volksmarches and fun runs.

Alternative forms of exercise - bicycling, swimming, using cardio machines, playing sports - count toward the mileage goal. Pedometers are available - free, in limited quantities - for participants to track their mileage.

"Each participant needs to average 10,000 steps per day, about 6 miles, to meet the Walk to Iraq goal," said Anna Courie, CHPPM-EUR Health Promotion and Wellness coordinator for Wuerzburg hospital and the 417th BSB. Courie played a large hand in getting the program started, as it is an adjunct to the "Walk out on Work" program she had previously initiated.

"Walking has been shown to be the most health beneficial exercise we can do. It builds strength and stamina and improves overall cardiovascular health. The health benefit is also cumulative - every step taken during the day helps," she said. The "Walk to Iraq" program has grander aims than simply meeting the there-and-back goal.

"It's about doing something positive, about getting people up and around in their communities," said Sandy Kamena, spouse of Col. Gene Kamena, division chief of staff.

"What better way to spend the time our spouses are deployed than working to improve our health, our physiques, and keeping a positive outlook? Walking, exercising, and meeting others who do the same is a terrific way to pass the time. It also helps us become closer and more connected to the community where we live."

"Walking is wonderful for many reasons," added Michelle Batiste, spouse of division commander Maj. Gen. John Batiste. "It increases stamina and endurance, and it's not as intimidating to start as some other fitness programs might be. You can do it by yourself, pushing a baby stroller or walking the dog. And it's always fun to be with friends."

Batiste and Kamena walk together daily and follow an established trail around the perimeter of Leighton Barracks. "The routine of walking every day takes commitment, so it's great when you have a partner who encourages you, who picks you up when you need it," added Kamena.

Residents in all Big Red One communities are encouraged to take part. Registration forms are available from your unit's Family Readiness Liaison, or through your Family Readiness Group leader. Courie encourages participants to also have an optional fitness assessment.

"This helps track your progress to overall fitness," she said.

Mileage should be tracked daily and reported monthly to the Family Readiness Liaison or FRG leadership. Once a walker or FRG accumulates enough miles to reach Iraq, they will receive a certificate from the 1st Infantry Division. When the division returns, a ceremony will recognize all participants who complete the program's goals.

Contact your unit's Family Readiness Liaison for program details.

Source: Walk to Iraq - and Back - U.S. Army Hospital.