With November recognized as National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, the Fit to Serve column here at M&F has highlighted the remarkable stories of those who defend freedom. November also marks four years since Fit to Serve officially launched, making it the perfect time to look back at just how impressive the column was.
Both the month and the column were concepts of M&F military editor Rob Wilkins. A 26-year veteran of the Air Force and two-term member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. Wilkins’ efforts to advocate for military fitness are more than a passion. It has been recognized by military and political leaders as a service to America.
The idea for a military-themed fitness column was first conceived by Wilkins along with M&F President Dan Solomon when they were trying to find ways to promote fitness and service during the pandemic.
“During that time, a lot of people were trying to find ways to stay or get in shape. We came up with the idea of doing a column focused on the military and how they stayed in shape,” Wilkins recalls. “It also gave us an opportunity to cover military preparedness and how it was a matter of national security.”
Solomon and M&F owner Jake Wood trusted Wilkins to spearhead this unique content initiative. Solomon may not have known specifically what it would look like, but his faith in his longtime friend assured him that it would be beneficial and successful.
Solomon adds, “There has always been an organic relationship between the military and the global fitness community, a genuine mutual respect. Master Sgt Wilkins has brought great passion and integrity to this work and shows no signs of slowing down. We have featured many of the most powerful and influential leaders in these pages.”
Developing and finding a voice
A variety of military-focused features were published throughout 2021 that laid the groundwork for what Wilkins and Solomon had in mind, and the pieces fell into place. Stories were told and connections made with the natural state. “Fit to Serve” was off and running, but every successful column needs a passionate writer and an opportunity
meeting at the 2021 Olympia Weekend in Orlando, Florida was where Wilkins found his. An article about the competitor of Mr. Olympia Charjo Grant, who also served in the Army National Guard, was written by M&F partner and longtime freelancer Roger “Rock” Lockridge.
“Rob thanked me and gave me the challenge coin on the spot,” Lockridge said. “As the son of a dual-service veteran, I knew this was important.”
Lockridge and Wilkins had several more conversations during that weekend, and Wilkins laid out his vision for Fit to Serve. Lockridge saw this as an opportunity not only to continue working as a writer but also to redeem a personal failure from his youth.
“I enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard as a senior in high school, but was ruled out due to knee problems and being underweight,” Lockridge said. “So ironically, I was unable to serve. That was part of what got me on my fitness journey.”
He continued, “Being the author for this is one way I could do something to make a difference. Even though I didn’t serve myself, I could tell the stories of those who did and hopefully inspire others to serve.”
The Column That Became a Movement
In the four years since Wilkins and Lockridge joined forces, they have worked together to shine a spotlight on American heroes who have found fitness to be a key asset. Wilkins would draw on his experience and network to secure interest and schedule the coveted interviews, while Lockridge asked the questions and put his fingers to the keyboard. As Wilkins explained, this process was not as simple to perform as it was to read.
“We’ve had to prove over the years that this column is a safe space for them. There’s enough negativity out there. We want to be a refreshing source and a light for the good,” he said. “There have been military and fitness stories in the past, but never in a series like ours. This is happening now because Roger has proven that he’s not trying to pick on anyone. He’s there to tell a positive story. They trust him.”
What started as a novel concept has now grown into the world’s leading military fitness column. Fit to Serve profiles members of all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, as well as firefighters, firefighters and police officers. Stories from West Point to Beverly Hills and points in between have turned Fit to Serve into a highly comprehensive and diverse collection of inspiring stories. In many cases, real life heroes.
Programs such as the Army’s holistic health and fitness (H2F) system, Recruit Games, and the Air Force Delayed Entry Program are documented and covered. The column even made it to the Marine Barracks in Washington, the historic Navy Yard and even the Pentagon to interview the highest enlisted members of the Air Force and Marines on the ground.
Efforts made at Fit to Serve have been recognized and acknowledged by the military in return. Wilkins was named an honorary Air Force Recruiter, while Lockridge received a Certificate of Appreciation after announcing that the Air Force Recruiting Service met its fiscal year goal early. Other industries have also separately reported much greater recruitment success. Considering that recruiting was considered a national security issue across all branches in 2021, the change in recruiting overall and recognition by AFRS in particular is not lost on Wilkins.
“Sharing these stories has opened people’s minds and seeing how important their fitness must be. It also gives those interested in serving a look at a side of the military they may not have seen before.”
Service and Community
Wilkins felt that stories could be great examples, but there also had to be a utility to the column. Education had to be a priority. That’s why events like the annual meeting of the President’s Council on Sport, Fitness, and Nutrition, a Wellness Symposium at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and interviews with sleep, nutrition, and recovery experts are part of this platform.
“We’re moving beyond science and into real-world research with leading experts bringing their wisdom to us so we can help those who serve and protect our country, like our firefighters, law enforcement and first responders, do better with nutrition, sleep, and more. We are working to find a solution.”
In addition to the information Fit to Serve has shared, many of those shown have since connected with each other online and in person. Some even see that they appear as members of a community.
“Seeing people come together or meet at events and talk about Fit to Serve was a great reminder of the kind of impact it has,” shared Lockridge. “Many of the people we’ve profiled have stayed in touch long after their feature was published.”
Looking Ahead
Fit to Serve has made great strides since its inception, but all eyes are on what’s next, and Wilkins shares that there are much bigger plans and goals for 2026 and beyond.
“We want to feature more people, like Medal of Honor recipients and even members of Congress. There’s more ground to cover and we’re ready to do the work.”
With Wood and Solomon’s support, Wilkins’ leadership, Lockridge’s commitment, and the entire M&F team involved in the publication process, there are many more stories to be told, including those of young Americans who may be laying their foundations now. Wilkins is hopeful that future military members who will soon have their own journeys are recognized and encourages them, as well as their families and supporters, to recognize them.
“We will continue to do our part to find these great heroes and share in their success going forward.”
If you or someone you know has excelled as a cross country or first responder, let us know on Instagram by tagging @muscleandfitness and using the hashtag #FitToServe .
