Wellness Expo draws more than 600 participants

Published March 25, 2014
By Kendahl Johnson
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- More than 600 participants learned more about healthy living at a Wellness Expo March 21 at the Youth Center.

The event was sponsored by Wingman Plus, Kirtland's helping agencies. More than 70 information tables were staffed by vendors from both on and off base agencies who provided information about various aspects of wellness.

"We wanted to educate people about everything that is available that can help promote mental, social, physical and spiritual wellness," said Teresa Reinhard, community support coordinator who organized the event. "We took a much broader approach than your typical health fair, and it was a fantastic success."

In addition to the information tables, there were demonstrations on Zumba, yoga, ballroom dance, stretching with exercise bands, folkloric dance and others. Attendants were offered chair and table massages, as well as the opportunity to experience aromatherapy, meditation, and hand reflexology.

Free food and drinks were provided, and more than 25 prizes were given away. Lyrice Kreimeyer, spouse of 1st. Lt. Wayne Kreimeyer of the 705th Combat Training Squadron, won an overnight stay and $250 gift card to Hyatt Tamaya Resort & Spa. Airman 1st Class Rashad Stovall, 377th Dental Squadron, won a Kindle Fire and carrying case. 2nd Lt. Vincent Chen, 705th CTS, won a $250 gift card for Force Support Squadron activities.

Reinhard said the event was so well received, she has already started planning to do it again next year, scheduled for March 20, 2015.

"We had a great initial event and we plan to build what we offered to make the expo even more exciting and informative next year," she said.