Wanting it, dreaming it, achieving it

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Among the thousands of runners for the sold out 2014 Air Force Marathon was an Air Force ROTC cadet from the University of Cincinnati. Jesse Tewksbury ran his first marathon with more than 30 other cadets and staff members from the AFROTC's Northeast Region.

Three years ago, Tewksbury (Tewks), an ex-football player, joined his AFROTC detachment, weighing more than 300 pounds. Then he failed miserably on his first Physical Fitness Assessment with a score of 5.75. To clarify that score, a trainee needs to score at least 75 out of 100. That might have made other cadets feel a sense of defeat and quit. But he did not let that deter him; in fact, it motivated him to get in shape.

"I was motivated by many factors; not only did I like the challenge of being the underdog," said Tewks. "I liked the relationships I built because of my determination."

He said, "I was a 310-pound-man, 6 months out of an ACL reconstructive surgery, attempting to join the Air Force."

Tewks' family and his AFROTC Commander, Air Force ROTC Detachment 665, University of Cincinnati, Lt. Col. Tyler Moore were his most ardent supporters. Moore said, "Needless to say, I am very proud of him! He [now] weighs 207 pounds and can bench press 305 pounds!"

His weight-loss plan was diet and exercise only. But he said that he also built positive relationships that were very encouraging throughout his weight loss efforts, and they wanted to see him succeed also. Competing with his fellow cadets pushed him.

"Competitiveness makes the intensity of your drive increase to a level beyond what you think you can take," said Tewks. "When you work harder than the person next to you, it motivates others to drive to your level as well."

According to Moore, he scored 90 on his last PFA--excellent range.  As for what he wants to do in the Air Force, he wants to be a fighter pilot or a Combat Rescue Officer. With his determination to reach and exceed his goals, he will likely serve as one or the other of his choices.