A philosophy fit for everyone: USAFE athlete of the year proves success is all about determination

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Christopher Diaz
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  He's earned more competitive titles in bodybuilding and powerlifting than years he's been alive - and he turns 43 this October. But more impressive than his age and records of athleticism is the determination he's maintained to get him this far.

Recently named the 2010 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Athlete of the Year, Senior Master Sgt. Troy D. Saunders, command vehicle management superintendent for USAFE's Logistics Directorate, applies the principles of physical fitness to his professional life as well.

As a result, he's also been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, joining the one percent of the Air Force's enlisted Airmen who share the highest rank achievable.

He explains how being in the Air Force has simply encouraged his philosophy on life.

"The military is very oriented in being your best," Sergeant Saunders said. "There's a lot of correlation between becoming the top in any type of physical endeavor, and being the top in education, doing the best for your family and at work."

Sergeant Saunders' foundation for fitness started at a young age, where he spent his early mornings and late afternoons working on his family's farm. At ten years old, he was the only kid allowed in the high-school gym, and when he finally started his freshman year, he was out-benching most of the high school seniors. It was around the same time that his father passed away after an unhealthy lifestyle led to cancer and eventually a heart attack.

"My focus switched to be more conscientious of my overall health... people that were successful in sports didn't smoke and didn't drink," Sergeant Saunders said. "My drive was to be the best, healthiest me."

He remembers treating his career with that same mindset, drawing parallels between his passion for fitness and his desire to excel in his career.

"It's really been a ten, twelve year trip for me to getting promoted to Chief," Sergeant Saunders said. "That whole time, I applied the same principles... I have to do this step, then this step... I have to know my job; I have to become more educated."

With degrees in management science and mechanical studies as well as a teaching certificate and various fitness certifications, the Kingsley, Iowa native has used his knowledge to give back to Airmen all around him.

"(He) has guided me both professionally... and off duty," said Tech Sgt. Lorenzo Peterson, 86th Security Forces Squadron physical security and anti-terrorism force protection non-commissioned officer in charge. "He has been my mentor, trainer, teammate, friend, judge and coach over the years."

This relationship has paid dividends, leading Sergeant Peterson to be named USAFE Athlete of the Year twice, and also three-time 86th SFS NCO of the Year.

"I watched Sergeant Saunders win (those) first," Sergeant Peterson said. "(He) is very motivational and an inspiration to all... to me, the best type of leader in the Air Force. I have pretty much followed in his footsteps."

And with his upcoming promotion, it's no surprise that his leadership sees the same qualities.

"Sergeant Saunders' professionalism is unquestionable," said Chief Master Sgt. Gabriel Hage, USAFE's Logistics Directorate functional manager for 2T3 vehicle management. Chief Hage has also had the chance to witness Sergeant Saunders' mentorship stretch from the office to the gym and beyond. "Troy is one of the most genuine Airmen I've ever met. His undying devotion to serve the Airmen in this command is transparent through each of his selfless acts. He epitomizes the Air Force core value of excellence in every action."

Sergeant Saunders has coached teams of Airmen athletes at all levels of competition, but his philosophy on fitness can apply to anyone's efforts in self-improvement. He could talk for days about the benefits of working out and tips on what to do, but it all boils down to one simple piece of advice.

"If you don't enjoy what you're doing, it's hard to keep doing it -- find a sport, exercise or activity that you enjoy," he said.

If that becomes difficult, he recommends finding motivation by working out with family and friends.

"Get a friend to come with you or take your kids... you'll be motivated if nothing more than to participate in what's helping them," he said.

Though he doesn't have children of his own to guide, he's become an example to younger Airmen everywhere, proving that with the right amount of determination, there's no limit to what you can accomplish.

Come late February, Sergeant Saunders will permanently change duty stations, assuming the Logistics Director functional manager position for the 2T3 Vehicle Management Career Field at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.