Airman 1st Class Eaton inspires fellow Airmen to be at their best

  • Published
  • By Ensign Rex Miller
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  One year ago, Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Eaton, 71st Medical Operations Squadron Aerospace Physiology Training Unit, was on the brink of failing her physical assessment with a score of 78. Now, not only has she aced the most recent assessment with a perfect score of 100, but she has motivated the other members of Aerospace Physiology to take their fitness and exercise regimens more seriously.

"It's more of a competition between us all now," said Airman Eaton. "We are all motivated to win but we all win in the end."

Now that the Air Force's new physical fitness standards have gone into effect, Airman Eaton's commitment to improving her fitness as well as her fellow Airmen's fitness has had a direct impact on mission readiness.

"She has been an inspiration to all of us," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Walton, 71st MDOS, APTU. "She has shown Vance Airmen that if you really put your mind to it, you can do anything you want. She truly does inspire others, not only because of her drive to achieve a higher level of fitness, but in her drive to be her best at whatever she does."

Most recently, Airman Eaton ran the half-marathon distance at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon with three other members from her unit. Another member ran the full marathon distance. Airman Eaton finished the race in 1 hour, 45 minutes, 52 seconds, 19th out of 532 women in the 20 to 24-year-old division.

"The marathon was a blast," said Airman Eaton. "I wasn't planning on competing since it was my first try at the distance, but once the race got started I got so fired up and had to see how well I could finish."

Airman Eaton along with six other members from her unit will compete in the Red Dirt Run of Honor 5 kilometer and half marathon. The race will take place Saturday, May 29, starting at the Woodring Wall of Honor at Woodring Regional Airport, Enid, Okla.