Camp trains former military personnel as personal trainers
Pineview Camp in the Hesterville community is serving as a military camp for retired veterans who are seeking a new lease on life through becoming personal trainers or in some aspect of the fitness industry.
Through the FitOps Foundation, 20 veterans from several states are currently taking part in the program underway at Pineview which serves as a venue for church groups, camps and organizations.
The mission of FitOps is to provide a certification program for veterans who want to become elite personal trainers. The program helps veterans who are passionate about health and wellness to find success after their military service in the fitness industry.
Organized like a military camp, the veterans participate in three weeks of deployment with daily physical exercises periods in the gym using equipment transported to Pineview by FitOps. Part of each day is spent in the classroom with lessons preparing them for employment in the field of physical training.
Participants make application and are interviewed before selection for FitOps. “The program is for veterans with a passion, drive to achieve their best along with those who are getting ready for retirement from the military,” said Erik Bartell, FitOps Director. The program is suited but not limited to individuals who may have struggled with substance abuse, PTSD, or have difficulty in transitioning to civilian live. FitOps replaces alcohol, drug and hopelessness with community and professional success through a passion for fitness, Bartell added.
Bobby Somers, who is serving as chef at Pineview, is a veteran of 13 years in the U.S. Army. “FitOps has saved my life,” he said. Suffering from the effects of two explosions while deployed and almost losing his leg, Somers said he suffered from depression and made three suicide attempts. “I was at the end of my rope when I heard about the camp which has literally saved my life,” Somers said.
Other veterans related similar stories of being able to get a new lease on life as a result of FitOPs.
Tommy Hazelwood, a native of Oxford, is within two years of retirement and his participation is preparing him for civilian life. Because of personal issues, he was able to take a leave of absence from his military service to make the transition. “I came to Pineview Camp with a church group as a youngster,” he said. His first words upon arrival with FitOps were “I know this place, he said. His plans are to operate a fitness shop after retirement.
Director Bartell, a native of Chicago, said the day for the veterans begins at 5:30 a.m. and includes physical training and classroom studies until noon. Following lunch, classes are conducted from 1 until 5 p.m. In the evenings, study time is spent with squad leaders and time is also allotted to group sessions.
Jennifer Fields, who described herself as “an Air Force brat having a passion for the military,” serves as operations coordinator lending daily support to the veterans.
Graduates will leave Pineview following graduation on May 22 at 6 p.m. armed with their new lease on life and plans to exercise their new training in the field of physical fitness.
