Luke Air Force Base, Arizona —
The 944th Medical Squadron gathered Oct. 20, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., to celebrate a milestone of excellence, recognizing 14 consecutive months of performance without a single failure on a physical fitness test.
This accomplishment is a testament to the squadron’s commitment to readiness, and it not only improves fitness scores but also creates a cultural commitment that brings members closer together and transforms fitness from an individual obligation to a shared mission of support and camaraderie. It also reflects change.
When Col. Stéphanie La Pierre took command of the squadron more than a year ago, she quickly recognized an opportunity to enhance readiness within a unit comprised primarily of traditional reservists.
These members balance civilian life with military responsibilities and face unique challenges in maintaining year-round fitness.
“When I first joined, I heard from members that they wanted to bring back structured PT (physical training),” LaPierre said.
La Pierre plans to resume regular PT sessions during UTA (Unit Training Assembly) weekends on Sunday afternoons and encourage diagnostic assessments, an approach that will allow members to familiarize themselves with supportive fitness standards. He explained that the goal is to lay the foundation for change. , a stress-free environment.
This diagnostic approach gave members confidence and helped reduce the pressure associated with official testing.
“It’s a stress reliever, especially for people who get nervous when they go out,” La Pierre said.
This method helped me develop a sense of preparedness and shift my focus to just meeting the bare minimum requirements.
Maj. Jonathan Burns, 944th MDS dentist and squadron fitness program manager, added that he has seen firsthand the benefits of creating a culture where fitness is viewed as a team goal rather than an individual challenge.
“It was more of a team effort than an individual effort,” Burns said, observing the change in the squadron’s collective spirit. “They felt like they were letting the team down more than they were letting themselves down.”
The unit’s PT sessions, held on Sunday afternoons during monthly training weekends, have become more than just fitness training, they have become a bonding moment for members outside of traditional hierarchy.
Chris Cotton, 944th MDS Senior Noncommissioned Officer for Master Sergeant Major This sense of togetherness was very important.
“Others need that too…just knowing that someone is there for them, supporting them through it all, just watching them get through it. ” Cotton shared.
Cotton added that training weekends prioritize fitness, and squadron members connect in and out of uniform, helping each other achieve their goals and strengthening the resiliency needed for the mission.
The Air Force Fitness Program focuses on fitness, strength and flexibility year-round, emphasizing the importance of readiness, productivity and reducing absenteeism. For reservists who move between civilian and military roles, it is important to stay healthy in order to maintain a higher standard of service.
The 944th Medical Squadron’s dedication to fitness and community reflects a commitment that goes beyond test scores. It’s about building resilient, cohesive teams ready to “fly, fight, and win.”
After the celebrations concluded, Mr. La Pierre acknowledged the importance of these achievements.
“It’s really important to stop, celebrate, be grateful, recognize and be specific…emphasizing the tactics and how we got there,” she said.
This accomplishment was a milestone for the squadron, but more than that, it signified a new era of support and cohesion within the team and propelled the team forward as a model of readiness and resiliency.
