Happy Friday and Happy Veterans Day! Today, we recognize and thank all those who have served our country as part of the armed forces. We’re also shining our spotlight on our fitness patrons who have served in the military – many credit their time served with showing them the importance of physical fitness. Meet the veterans who work out at the KRC and KFWC – a big thank you to all of them for their service and for being a part of our fitness family!
And don’t forget – if you’re a veteran or active military, you can use select facilities today for free! View the full list of free offerings
Charlie Booth
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
I served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1997. I participated in Operation Desert Storm from 1990/1991 as an MP. Escorted convoys, handled POW’s and check points.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
I left the military and had two kids, Cody 28 now and Ciara 25. I worked for Brinks fixing ATM machines for 12 years, America’s Best delivering oxygen and medical supplies to nursing homes for two years and been with the City of Kettering for nine and a half years.
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
The Marine Corps is very physical from day one for the 13-week boot camp, four-week combat training, and four weeks for military police.
How long have you been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
I have worked for Public Service Streets Department for nine and a half years and have been coming to the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center since. I always try to encourage new hires and other employees to join me because it is a win win.
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
I would like to lose about 10 to 15 lbs and maybe get into body building with the help of Lindsey Curry because I know she has done this in the past and very inspiring.
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
My dad passed away when I was 12. He was in WWII in the Army and delivered messages between combat lines by motorcycle. I have always wanted to live up to what he has accomplished and believe I have.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I believe working out in the morning gets you a fresh start, gets your body and mind mentally ready. No matter how bad your day goes, you have done that already. I also try to do at least one good deed a day. If you don’t know me or like me, I promise I will change your mind!
Frank Smith
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
I enlisted in the Air Force right out of high school. I was a vet engine mechanic for the first couple of years. The AF sent me to college and I received my degree and commission in 1982. I worked R&D and program management until I retired in 2000.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
I have continued to work R&D and program management for a variety of customers. I have worked at UD in the Research Institute for the last 18 years. I run a mechanical test lab there.
How long have you been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
About 10 -15 years. Daily exercise has just become part of my life.
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
Stay healthy enough to be able to do the things in life that I want to do. Keep my weight, blood pressure, glucose and A1C in check.
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
When my mother died, I found myself in a pretty deep funk. I found exercise to be a good stress relief and allowed/enabled me to keep things in perspective.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The gym provides me a social network. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of the other members. In some ways, we look out for each other. It is nice to know that when I am not there, usually somebody cares enough to ask.
Jennifer Cashwell
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
United States Air Force – both Active Duty & Reserves. Currently, I am First Sergeant.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
I am currently still serving, but in the Reserves.
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
I have always had a drive for fitness, but [did] not understand the importance fitness has on my mental and physical health.
How long have you been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
I have been a member since May 2022.
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
I hope to continue to stay focused on my mental and physical health.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As a spouse of an active duty member, I have been a member of a lot of gyms. The staff at the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center is always so kind, welcoming and helpful. They are some of my favorites!!
Joe Roller
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
Enlisted summer of 1967 between sophomore and junior year at Oklahoma State University. Army needed officers, and if you would go to basic training you could get into advanced ROTC. I went into Infantry & Army Airborne School. 30 months as an Artillery Officer.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
Went to graduate school using GI Bill and got a master’s degree in landscape architecture. Got a job with the City of Kettering in 1975 and retired from there in 2012.
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
Stayed in shape, and it became a habit.
How long have you been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
Since 2000
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
Stay alive
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
I am lazy by nature, but fitness here is sorta fun.
Nick Ungard
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
U.S. Marines – Guard & Sgt of the Guard , 19 months at the Naval War College, Newport, RI
1953 – June & July – active duty
1954-56 – active duty
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
1956-1958 – Finished my degree at UD. Worked at Rikes and then went into the Radio-TV business. 27 years in sales at WHIO Radio & TV
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
I was always an athlete, so fitness was important. Marines were a big jump for me, and habits formed there have remained.
How long have your been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
15 years; prior to that, I spent 15 years at Larry Paficio’s
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
I am 88 years old, and I hope to make it to 110. I come to the gym every day, and that will help me reach my goal. Also, working out in the gym fights Alzheimers and Dementia.
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
Weight Control. I weigh less than when I left the Marines. Now I weigh 172lbs. Then, I weighed 175 lbs.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have played golf for 78 years. The gym has helped me with my game. I won the Dayton City Amateur Championship in 1962. I am a member of the Xenia High School Hall of Fame and the Dayton Amateur Golf Hall of Fame.
Todd & Gretchen Mulhorn
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
We both served in the Air Force; Active & Reserve for a combined total of 57 years of service to the Nurse Corp.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
We are both retired from the Air Force Reserve & Civil Service. We enjoy following the momentum of each day.
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
It was a requirement to maintain a “deployment ready” level of fitness. Along the way, it just became a habit, and you see the benefits.
How long have you been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
We have been members for about six years.
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
To maintain an optimum level of health and flexibility as we age. Keeping fit does not necessarily mean that you will avoid getting sick or injured, but it does help you get through it.
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
Like most people, procrastination and putting off getting into the gym. The hours, location and esprit de corp of working with fellow patrons and staff are a huge encouragement to getting to the gym.
Is there anything else you would like to add for the highlight story?
We continue to be inspired by others working through their fitness goals. It’s also great to see your friends at the gym. If you’re gone a few days, you kind of miss everybody!
Alex Lane
Tell us a little bit about your time in the military. What branch did you serve in and what was your role?
I served in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst.
Tell us a little about your life since leaving the military.
I am currently contracting at Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a security representative.
How has serving in the military shaped your approach to physical fitness?
The military has shaped my approach to physical fitness by pushing me to my physical limits and showing me how important it is to stay in shape.
How long have your been a member of the Kettering Fitness & Wellness Center?
Four years
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
Just to be in overall great shape
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
Transitioning from the military has had its difficulties and using the gym has helped me alleviate some stress.
Warner Van Horn
Tell us about yourself and how long you’ve been a member of the Kettering Fitness and Wellness Center.
I was born in Oakwood and have lived in Kettering over 40 years. I’ve belonged to the Kettering Fitness Center for approximately 15 years.
What personal obstacles have you overcome and how did our fitness facilities help you through?
After heart bypass surgery, much of my rehab to better health was through the use of the Kettering Fitness Center facilities. As we grow older, we realize how necessary regular exercising would be in order to maintain our health and well-being.
Do you have any personal health and fitness goals?
My goal is to try to live each day as healthy as possible and to reach 100 years of age, still maintaining my exercise routine at the Kettering Fitness Center.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It is my firm belief that I have attained the age of 96 years because of my persistence of exercising three times per week, even though the intensity of that exercise has decreased over the years.