Deployed servicemember returns home half the Airman he used to be

Air Force Link ^ | Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss, USAF

[SandRat]

Senior Airman Jarvis Johnson, assigned to the Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyz Republic, shows off the new him. Airman Johnson arrived at Manas weighing 295 pounds, but had already decided to make some changes during his six month deployment. During his time at Manas, Airman Johnson lost 125 pounds and took 14 inches of his waist. (Courtesy photo)

[G.Mason]

What a great story.

[Snickersnee]

Where I come from, 300 lbs = "nondeployable."

Unless you're a bunker-buster.

[stentorian conservative]

Okay that made me laugh. But you are right, unless you’re like 7 feet tall.

[Big_Monkey]

"last time he would wear a 44-inch pants with a waist circumference of 47"

I applaud the Airman's service to his country and I am genuinely happy that he has rebuilt his body into a healthier and more sustainable form. But, how in wild blue yonder did the Air force let him get that big to begin with?

Doesn't the Air Force have any "military appearance" regulations?

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Cool story, but, WTF?!

"When the mile and a half run went away and the Air Force went to (cycle ergonometry) you didn't have to run so I didn't. I was passing the ergo test, but I knew that I could not have passed the run. I was easily packing in 5000 calories a day!"

[driftdiver]

When I was in anyone near this size was out of the service. Why did this guy get special treatment?

[CholeraJoe]

I’m glad he got in shape, but his Commander and First Sergeant should be horse-whipped for letting him get in that kind of shape in the first place.

[tutstar]

It would have never happened in the Marines! ;-/

[CholeraJoe]

It never would have happened in the Air Force under my command.

[radiohead]

Good story, but like others, I wonder how he was in the AF at the weight to begin with.

I guess our ideas of overweight have changed. I was listening to a classic radio show (probably 1940s) and a man was described as “5’11” and 180 pounds. He’s over weight.” I doubt that most people today would consider 180 at 5’11” as too much weight.

[Ditto]

Some guys can function pretty well at that weight. ;~))

[flib]

That’s the Air Force for you. No way would a Marine or Soldier be allowed to get so fat without consequences.

[flib]

That’s the Air Force for you. No way would a Marine or Soldier be allowed to get so fat without consequences.

[lt.america]

That is absolutely disgusting. He should have been out long ago. There are many who serve that struggle with those final 5 lbs. to meet their height and weight because they know if they don't they are gone. This guy was 300 lbs overweight? Has the Air Force slipped that far?

[SandRat]

That’s the Air Force for you. No way would a Marine or Soldier be allowed to get so fat without consequences. Dire Consequences!

[eyedigress]

No way he would have gotten even 15 pounds overweight in my TAC unit. The Commander should be fired. I’m glad he’s back in shape though.

[tutstar]

gnip...

[Tennessee_Bob]

No kidding. I hit seven pounds over and they were all over my case. Fortunately, that was when I started bicycling to work. Twenty-five miles a day in Nevada will drop that weight right off you.

[eyedigress]

My limit was 221 back in the day and my max weight ever recorded was 210.