Sartin named Base Athlete of the Year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Paul Duquette
  • 163d Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Making time for fitness isn't always a priority for service members, but for Master Sgt. Cyndie Sartin, it's a way of life that has made her the winner of the Base Athlete of the Year award, presented Dec. 7 by Lt. Col. Bruce Finley, 452nd Air Mobility Wing Mission Support Group deputy commander.

Sergeant Sartin was born and raised in the Philippines and came to the United States in 1981. In 1992 she joined the California Air National Guard, 222nd Combat Communications Squadron in Costa Mesa, Calif. In 1999 she transferred to the 163d Reconnaissance Wing where she now serves as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 163d Operations Group orderly room.

"I've always been an active individual, playing softball, volleyball and running track in high school," she said, "But I became really proactive in my early 20s, when some of my family had health issues at young ages."

In addition to her normal duties, Sergeant Sartin is the Unit Fitness Program Manager/Fitness Assessment Monitor (UFPM/FAM) for the Operations Group.

Sergeant Sartin has scored 100 percent on all her fitness tests for the past seven years, which made her ideal for the fitness manager title for her unit.

"As the UFPM, I teach Airmen how to breathe properly and demonstrate running techniques, I've also paced some members while they tested," she said. "These techniques have been successful in improving service members' fitness test scores."

In March 2009, she was team captain for a four-week wellness challenge called "Crews Into Shape."

"I designed a plan, which included group cardio exercises and sensible eating habits," said Sergeant Sartin. "All those who participated in the program benefited from it by feeling healthier and experienced weight loss."

Sergeant Sartin is an active participant in most, if not all, base gym fitness events, such as Aerobathon, Spin Class, Obstacle Course, Fit to Fight 1.5 mile Run, Boot Camp Exercise, Dance Mix and Step Aerobics.

She has competed in running events ranging from five kilometer races to marathons. Included in her list of more than 20 events are the LA Marathon, the World Famous 10k Mud Run and she was a Special Olympic Torch runner.

Whether she's scoring 100 percent on her fit tests, running marathons or participating in Spin Class, Sergeant Sartin finds ways to stay active, healthy and fit to fight.