You might know the Honorable Rob Wilkins as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition or because the Senior Military Editor for Muscle & Fitness. Aside from these positions, Wilkins can be a proud father, husband, and 26-year veteran of the United States Air Force. While others might separate service to country and personal fitness, Wilkins has discovered the 2 to intertwine all through his life.
Wilkins’ household has been involved in service to America because the very starting. His sixth-great grandfather was concerned within the American Revolution within the 1770’s. That connection, together with a private need to serve his nation led the New Jersey native to hitch himself. It’s a household custom in his eyes.
“I have a few cousins that are currently serving, so going all the way back to the Revolutionary War to current times, someone on my mom’s or dad’s side of the family have served in the military. We consider it an honor to be a part of those that protect our freedoms.”
Wilkins’ private journey within the army began when he joined the United States Air Force. Aside from following within the footsteps of his ancestors, he discovered it to be an effective way to hunt journey, journey the world, and meet lots of people.
“I got to see what the world looked like outside of New Jersey. I chose the Air Force because I had an uncle who served, and we spoke about it,” he recalled. “So, I joined in 1982, and I went to Lackland Boot Camp in January of 1983.”
During his army profession, Wilkins go to see and work in 43 completely different international locations, together with Germany, England, and Italy, amongst others. He additionally hung out in Florida, and served the ultimate eight years of his profession working within the Pentagon.
While he was in West Germany (throughout the Cold War), Wilkins took up weight coaching and needed to study as a lot as he might about how to get in better shape. He discovered that it not solely helped him put together for future deployments, it helped enhance his self-confidence. His analysis led him to discovering the lads who might be referred to as the fathers of the bodybuilding trade, Joe and Ben Weider. Wilkins opted to ship them Christmas playing cards one 12 months to precise his thanks for his or her ardour and efforts.
“I had thought nothing of it. I just enjoyed the magazines.”
Both Joe and Ben wrote him again. Ben Weider had served within the army himself for his residence nation of Canada. So, he felt a connection to the younger American. Weider expressed his personal gratitude together with hopes that they might work collectively sooner or later as soon as he returned to American soil. Once Wilkins was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, he adopted up by writing Ben one other letter.
“I held him to that,” he stated with fun. “At first, I thought it was just kind words to say, but he meant it.”
In 1990, Ben Weider would appoint Wilkins because the IFBB Liaison to the army, a place he was very proud to carry, and allowed him to stay related to Weider for the following a number of years. Both Weiders would provide donations to the army equivalent to dietary supplements or clothes, tickets to reveals, and even cash in some instances. Wilkins was the coordinator of these contributions.
“I would find out what the need was, pass that information on to Ben, and we would make it happen. I would then help arrange a meeting if it was possible so they could thank him for his goodness. At his heart, Ben was a military man.”
Ben Weider handed away in 2008, as did Joe in 2013, however Wilkins stays steadfast to fulfilling their joint mission to advertise health each out and in of the army group. Another alternative to serve got here when he was nominated to serve on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Wilkins was confirmed to serve below President Donald Trump for a two-year time period, and he was requested to serve for an additional time period by President Joe Biden. There aren’t many Americans which have served below two Presidential administrations, and even fewer have served below these of various political events. This is a tribute to Wilkins’ dedication to nation.
“There are a few things that bring immense joy. One for me is family, second is my military service, and then there’s the opportunity to serve my country again in such an important role as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition,” he stated proudly. “There are people who might not agree on many things, but they can agree on going to the gym or working out.”
Wilkins has taken his dedication to his passions to a brand new stage, particularly for the month of November. He has based National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, a month to extend consciousness on the significance of bodily exercise, stress administration, and correct vitamin throughout the army group. Muscle & Fitness President Dan Solomon and Director of Media Development Frank Sepe are becoming a member of Wilkins on this trigger. Like Solomon and Sepe, Wilkins’ biggest attribute could also be his capability to deliver folks collectively for a standard trigger equivalent to health. His campaign has seen him be joined by everybody at M&F, which he expressed gratitude for.
“I want to take the time to everyone at Muscle & Fitness for all they do to help promote fitness in the military community, including support with the Fit to Serve column, which is the world’s largest military, law enforcement, and civil service column that promotes the importance of fitness.”
Under Wilkins’ steering, he hopes to assist promote a wholesome and energetic life-style to these heroes who’ve protected our freedom, as a result of they’re wanted and needed greater than ever each of their communities and by their households.
“With an increasing number of military personnel and family members facing medical challenges caused by physical inactivity and poor diets. National Military Fitness and Wellness Month is the ideal time to make fitness a priority,” commented Wilkins.
Aside from that goal, Wilkins feels this might be one other solution to present his appreciation for all those who have served within the Armed Forces as he had for over a quarter-century.
“Freedom is not free. The men and women that protect our country are amazing people that do a lot without a lot of fanfare. They do it because they want to, not for pats on the back. That would actually be the true highlight of my career, meeting such amazing Americans from all different backgrounds, that make up the fabric of America.”
Follow Rob on Instagram @rob.wilkins.359 and on LinkedIn by trying to find “rob wilkins.” To study extra about National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, go to the Muscle & Fitness YouTube channel.