Team Kirtland Airman top athlete at Marine Senior NCO Academy

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. --  A Team Kirtland Airman received the Director's Physical Fitness Award June 8 when he graduated from the U.S. Marine Corps Senior NCO Academy at Camp Hansen, Okinawa.

Master Sgt. Gerry Ventura, Air Force Inspection Agency security forces inspector, was the lone Airman among 34 Marines. The award is given to the student who accumulates the most points for the physical fitness test, combat fitness test and 10K run.

"I did well during all physical fitness evaluations, but was surprised when I found out I won the award, which is a first for an Airman at Camp Hansen's Senior NCO Academy."

Ventura also earned another distinction.

"It is an academy tradition to have the student with the fastest run time be the class guide," said Ventura. "I had the honor of being the first Airman in the school's history to hold this position."

When he first arrived on station, Ventura said he immediately recognized how serious Marines are about their physical fitness.

"Gyms seemed to be always packed," said Ventura. "Marines can always be found doing pull-ups and formation runs. It's just part of their day-to-day life."

During the academy's eight weeks, students perform two-hour physical training sessions three times a week.

"Each physical training session was different, yet challenging," said Ventura. "Some days we ran five miles with sand bags, while other days we lifted logs and ran around with 30-pound ammo cans."

In addition to fitness, many of the academy's principles are centered on warfighting from a battalion-level perspective, said Ventura. "We learn about Marine Corps' planning processes, such as analyzing combat missions, developing courses of action and executing battle plans," said Ventura.

Ventura's supervisor said the 12-year veteran excels in everything he does.

"Sergeant Ventura is an exceptional senior NCO," said Senior Master Sgt . Christopher Bailey, AFIA Training and Inspection Directorate Nuclear Inspection Division superintendent. "Receiving the Director's Physical Fitness Award represents Sergeant Ventura's commitment to the Air
Force's Core Values, specifically, 'Excellence In All We Do.'"

Ventura said the Marine School was rewarding on multiple levels.

"Not only did the academy challenge me both physically and mentally, it has enhanced my understanding of what Marines do, and at the same time, gave me the privilege of representing our Air Force," said Ventura. "I'm truly grateful for this opportunity because it was one of the best experiences of my military career. I encourage senior NCOs who want a challenge and are willing to step out of their comfort zone to take advantage of this excellent program."