Boom operator benches heavy metal

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  While many service members exercise to meet physical fitness standards or stay in shape, one boom operator at Travis exercises to compete.

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Cook, 6th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, lifted iron plates totaling 402 pounds Feb. 9 during his first official power lifting competition.

Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 215 pounds, the 25-year-old Florida native competed among 90 participants at The Pacific Coast Open power lifting competition hosted by Old Skool Iron in Vacaville.

"I knew I was never going to get any taller, so I decided to get wider," Cook said.

Cook is a prior security forces member and raven team member. He takes to heart the essence of physical readiness.

"Being fit to fight means being able to accomplish the mission physically, being ready at all times for any and all challenges that come your way," Cook said. "I want to build relationships through my physicality, inspire others through my accomplishments and help others stay focused on reaching their goals."

His workout partner, retired U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Daryll Willis, said he has worked out with Cook for approximately eight months and is impressed by Cook's serious and intense, goal-oriented demeanor.

"He always has a positive attitude, a real go-getter," Willis said. "He's a great example for everyone, not only Airmen, but all who are around him and that's coming from a Marine."

Willis said that Cook is an exceptional individual and a great asset to the Air Force.

Being fit to fight is a vital role in any component of the armed forces. Not only does a person look good in uniform, but it gives a positive representation of the Air Force, Cook said.

Since joining the Air Force, Cook said he has made physical fitness a staple in his lifestyle and it is his daily motivation.

"Don't doubt your physical ability," Cook said. "Whatever the goals, focus, work hard and think of it as one of the core values, excellence in all we do and go get it."

Cook placed first in the 220 pounds weight class men's raw bench press only category and second overall in the competition.

Fit to fight is a series focused on highlighting Airman who compete in physical competitions beyond their normal expectations and thus inspire others. Submit suggestions to Staff Sgt. Christopher Carranza.