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Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Partying and Women. This was the way I lived for about five years after the traumatic and fatal helicopter crash I was involved in back on March of 1997. Partying and being the fun guy who everyone wanted to be around were my coping symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Depression and Suicidal thoughts were the mental evils I had been living with for the next five years or so. I was blaming myself for the death of a friend and the injuries of two others. Both friends having a broken back; with one friend needing a walker to get around do to his spinal injuries. We were all at the peak of our lives; we were Army Aviators flying for the worlds greatest Army. Being Night Vision Goggle Pilots in an Assault Helicopter Platoon, we felt we were “the Best of the Best” though we did not act it.
Flying low and slow, with nowhere to go, our bird went through a catastrophic engine failure. An eight inch planetary gear within the accessory drive failed and those parts got into the turbine engine. Now the engine was failing and we were above a heavily wood area. The nearest road was two miles to the east. All we could do was to shut the bird down and auto rotate into the trees. After switching the fuel pump switch to the off position, there was no turning back. Lower Collective, Throttle to Ideal, Auto Rotate into the trees. Once the blades were at tree top level, pull Collective to reduce potential energy and wait it out. This was a “text book” maneuver. After the blades started to cut into the trees, we were on an uncontrollable ride down. We train and train and train and train some more where these actions are not a thought, but a reaction. I have always thought what if we came in at a different angle, a different pitch, to reduce the severity of the impact, would there be four lives saved instead of three? But it was a “text book” maneuver. We could not have done it any better with the situation we were given. We were riding an “un-survivable” ride down.
I was the 91 recipient of the Indiana Distinguish Service Cross for my actions as a Pilot in the office of then Governor Frank O’Bannon. The Indiana Distinguish Service Cross is the second highest award, next to the Metal of Honor that one can receive in the Indiana National Guard.
For the next ten years, I lived a life with aches and pains in my back and legs having metal rods in both legs and a Harrington Rod in my back from my T1 to T8 vertebra. After going through my most resent annual physical at the VA Hospital, I knew I was over weight, but I now have high cholesterol. The Doctor informed me that I needed to be put on meds to reduce my high cholesterol. I have always refused to take meds for my back and leg pains. So why should I take meds to reduce my high cholesterol when there is a natural way of reducing it? Though I have cut out alcohol in my life about four years ago, I was still eating what I enjoy eating. With the bodily pains I have received, my primary exercise was the typical yard work. I love working around the house, being outside, working up a sweat, getting some sun.
Remembering that I used to run 14 miles every Saturday morning during Army Flight School, I am so out of shape. Now about thirty to forty pounds over weight, high cholesterol, one pack a day smoker, out of breath, and out of shape. I am working in the yard in a pair of shorts that I can not even button the top button do to my “winter insulation, summer floatation” being in the way. I needed a change now! Why make that change now?
After seeing the infomercials on P90X, I thought, this is it. This is the program that I have been looking for. Unlike the other typical programs, P90X changes it up. The time used for driving to and from a gym, with P90X, I could already be done with my workout. There is something different everyday that will keep me focused, get me excited to work out again. I will not get board with the same routine day after day. Being in the military for about 18 years, I miss the structure that the military provided in a workout. P90X provides that structure for me. Having lost 27.3 fat pounds with P90X Lean, I still want to “Bring It” everyday with P90X Classic for the next 90 days. I look forward to recording my body transformation weekly so I can see my results on paper. I love to see my transformation in the mirror and hear the comments from others.
Now, after completing 90 days of P90X Lean and 90 days of P90X Classic, I feel better, I breathe better, and my stamina is greatly increased. I am not always tired anymore. I get a better nights sleep, feeling more rested in the mornings. I have greatly decreased my smoking do to the lung capacity needed for the workouts. Soon, I will have dropped smoking forever. The P90X has even taught me how to eat, when to eat, what to eat. Sounds like the Military? I love it! I have cut out the foods I love. I have stopped eating breads, pastas, hamburgers, steaks, and seafood that is soaking in butter. I have cut out all caffeine drinks like coffee and sodas. I have cut out those juices full of sugars in the morning and added protein drinks or oatmeal with flaxseed with a banana or apple. I have added all fruits and vegetables or a yogurt with flaxseed for my snacks. But I still eat one Reese’s Peanut Butter Cut a day as a reward. I now bring my lunch to work and skip the fast food places. I walk past the elevators to find the stairs. And that P90X Recovery Drink? Awesome!
Just have gone through my 40th birthday, my other transformations will have to be continued at a later time as I see them. P90X Lean – completed; P90X Classic, here I am. Now I am on to round two of P90X Classic. P90X, Thank You for helping me change my life for the better.