1/21/09 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - -- Just 11 months ago, Derrick Bell made the first step in a journey that would change his life in more ways than one.
The 38-year-old, husband and father of two, shed more than 115 pounds to meet the Air Force Reserve physical standards of enlistment, astounding his recruiter, family and friends.
Lt. Col. Raymond Platt, 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander, and Bell met through family and friends over a campfire at Bell's cabin in West Beaver Lake, Alaska in 2006. With so much in common, they have been true friends ever since.
Bell became intrigued when Platt told him about the F-22 Raptor and the 477th Fighter Group. When Bell expressed interest in the jet and being a member of the 477 FG, Platt made it his personal mission to make that interest a reality.
Platt's research found that Bell wasn't too old to enlist, as they had previously thought. Air Force Reserve regulation states that a prior service enlistee's adjusted age must be 40 years old or less. To find your adjusted age, you subtract your prior service time from your actual age. Bell has previously served over four years in the Alaska Army National Guard, after graduating high school.
"I told Derrick that if he was interested in joining I would help him get back on track," reflected Platt. "Derrick jumped at the opportunity."
The 477th Fighter Group is an Air Force Reserve Classic Associate unit on Elmendorf Air Force Base. The FG is responsible for recruiting, training, developing and retaining unrivaled Citizen Airmen.
How exactly did he lose 115 pounds in 11 months? It wasn't easy. He didn't lose the weight through fad diets; he worked hard to change his lifestyle while controlling his caloric intake. He got up at 4 a.m. and worked out at the Elmendorf Fitness Center five days a week. Platt was right there next to him everyday (when he wasn't out of town working on the North Slope.) Bell said he cut his food portions by at least half and hasn't had a beer since Feb .14, 2008.
Bell came to Air Force Reserve recruiter, Master Sgt. Robert Bazor, through the friendship he had developed with Platt.
"We knew that he had a long way to go before he could enlist but we also knew that this was a situation that could be fixed with the right amount of determination," Sgt. Bazor said. "He called me every month to give me an update on his weight loss."
Platt received the added bonus of enlisting Bell under the Air Force Reserve Get One Now Program. The "Get One" program provides benefits to the Air Force Reserve, the individual being referred and the person who has recommended the referral. For detailed information and rules associated with the program please see http://get1now.us/.
"I'm always recruiting. Wherever I am in the Alaskan community, I end up talking about the 477 FG and how great the unit is. The conversation comes natural to me," said Platt.
Joined by his wife, Tricia, daughter, Brittny (13), son, Logan (11), and additional family and friends Bell enlisted in the Air Force Reserve Jan. 15. Lt. Col. Platt had the privilege to administer the oath of enlistment. You could tell by his ear-to-ear grin this was a day Bell would not soon forget.
Bell credits his support system for much of his success. "I feel like I'm getting a "do-over". My family and friends are huge supporters. They've been behind me 200% since I decided to go for it."
Bell, a lifelong resident of Anchorage, Alaska, works for the Anchorage School District as a Senior Warehouse Specialist Monday through Friday. His Traditional Reserve commitment to the 477 FG will include working one drill weekend a month and performing 14 days of annual tour per year.
In addition to having the opportunity to work on what Bell believes to be the world's greatest fighter jet, he says he has regained his youth and his self-esteem.
"I feel young again!! I'm in better shape and weigh less than when I got married almost 18 years ago! I've got back my confidence, and I thought it was gone for good!!"
When taking his oath of enlistment Bell was thinking about a comment that Bazor had made to him when they first met. "When standing up in front of friends and family everything you have done will make that moment worth it."
Bell will be a Crew Chief on the F-22A Raptor. He is waiting for a technical training date before attending school at Sheppard AFB, Texas. When complete he will have follow on training at Tyndall AFB, Florida.
The F-22A is a transformational combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable, and provides the joint force an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.
Bell continues to push his weight loss goal to lose an additional 10-15 pounds. There are no doubts from those around him that he will succeed, just as he has to this point.
"This is an applicant that I will remember for the rest of my career," commented Sgt. Bazor. "He was amped up about serving his country and putting on a uniform."
Bell's new lifestyle has been contagious and he has since gotten his father on to a program of healthier eating and better exercise habits.
Air Force Reserve enlistment and commissioning weight standards vary based on height. People interested in joining should visit their local Air Force Reserve recruiter. Recruiter contact information is available by clicking on the Recruiter Locator link at www.afreserve.com or call 1-800-527-1212.
"Staying in shape is an important part of being ready to defend our nation. Derrick's commitment to a lifetime of fitness is an inspiration to all of us in the Arctic Reserve. We are so honored to have him in our unit," said Col. Eric Overturf, 477th Fighter Group Commander.