FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (April 15, 2016) – The U.S. Army Installation Management Command’s annual Strong B.A.N.D.S. campaign will return for its sixth year to 72 participating Army locations worldwide this May.
Strong B.A.N.D.S. — which stands for Strong Balance, Activity, Nutrition, Determination and Strength — promotes garrison fitness and wellness programs available to Soldiers, Families, retirees and Civilians. This year’s theme is “Trained. Willing. Able.,” which highlights how the five campaign components enhance an individual’s readiness.
Launched in 2011, Strong B.A.N.D.S. events and programs encourage service members, Families, retirees and Civilians worldwide to start and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Last year, over 75,000 individuals were involved in over 400 fitness and health activities.
The campaign features U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program Soldiers Cpt. Leigh Jaynes-Provisor, wrestler; Sgt. Nathan Schrimsher, modern pentathlete; and Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson, three-time Olympic pistol shooter. The WCAP Soldiers were selected to be campaign ambassadors because the theme resonates with the physical and mental demands of their training.
“Readiness is that thing you’re always chasing right before a competition,” said Sanderson. “It’s not just about being ready. It’s about training to be ready and perform no matter what.”
Sanderson, along with Schrimsher and Staff Sgt. John Nunn, three-time Olympic race walker, will represent Team USA in this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 5-21, 2016.
The campaign is held during National Sports and Fitness Month. Participating garrisons will plan a variety of fitness and health-related events throughout the month. In previous years, events ranged from traditional sports and fitness programming and health fairs to Youth/Children’s/Library StoryWalks and Run to Honor races.
Partnering with the Human Performance Resource Center and the Army Public Health Command, the campaign will have both print and online educational materials and videos available to participants at no cost. Online materials will be accessible at the Strong B.A.N.D.S. official website.
The Performance Triad, Army Medicine’s comprehensive plan for improving readiness and resiliency, will be featured in the materials. The plan provides target goals people can reach for to improve their fitness, nutrition and sleep.
“If Soldiers, Family members and Civilians follow the Performance Triad, then they will improve their overall health, fitness and activity levels,” said Col. Pauline Gross, command surgeon for IMCOM. “Little changes that people incorporate into their diet, sleep and activity ultimately will get them to the point where they are ready, healthier and more active.”
In addition, each participant will receive a black and gold STRONG B.A.N.D.S. wristband to symbolize their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.