HAWC wins top AMC honor; in running for AF award

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing's Health and Wellness Center has done it again, winning Air Mobility Command HAWC of the year for the fourth time. That puts the HAWC in the running for Air Force HAWC of the year - another honor it's held in the past.

"It's just a testament to all the members of the HAWC," said Lt. Col. Paul Gourley, 6th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander, "We've got quite the HAWC here."

The news also was welcomed by Joan Craft, director of the HAWC.

"It's great," she said. "Everyone works so hard here and it's great when you are recognized for the work and the things you do."

It's all familiar ground for the HAWC, which was top HAWC in AMC three previous years, taking top Air Force honors one of those. Whether there is a repeat of the Air Force award will be revealed at a conference at the end of the month in Washington D.C.

"It would be fantastic if we could win Air Force again," said Ms. Craft. "That would be the topper of a very good year."

HAWCs are evaluated based on a variety of criteria related to the maintaining and improvement of the health and well being of the base population. The number and effectiveness of health, fitness and nutrition programs, along with staff and expertise, all play a factor. Sticking with what works, but never being afraid to investigate new programs and techniques has been a key to the MacDill HAWC's success, said Ms. Craft.

"We have a good track record of our programs being measurably effective," she said. "We also try to stay at the leading edge of the technology and equipment available."

A good example of that technology is the Bod Pod automated body fat analysis machine. Users slip into a Spandex suit, and by just sitting in the pod, get a digital readout of their body fat percentage. The computer of the unit stores the information, which means it can compare previous readings to the past, providing an excellent yardstick for those using it as part of a fitness and diet program to achieve a set goal.

Another unique system at the HAWC is the gate analysis machine, which evaluates the running gate of the user, helping them fine tune their style to reduce stress and injury to feet, ankles and legs, as well as information that can be used to find the right running shoe for the individual.

Combined with a host of programs and informational campaigns geared toward putting people on the right path to health and fitness, and a great enthusiasm for always trying to do more for the base population, the MacDill HAWC is a standout when it comes time for annual recognition.

"They (the members of the HAWC) are never satisfied with the status quo," said Colonel Gourley. "They're always finding new ways."