Both the month and the column were concepts by M&F Military Editor Rob Wilkins. A 26-year Air Force veteran and two-term member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Wilkins’ military fitness advocacy efforts are more than a passion. It is recognized by military and political leaders as a service to America.
The idea of a military-themed fitness column was first conceived by Wilkins along with M&F President Dan Solomon as they tried to find ways to promote fitness and service during the pandemic.
“At that time, a lot of people were trying to find ways to stay fit or get fit. We came up with the idea of writing a column about the military and how they stayed physically fit,” Wilkins recalls. “It also gave us a chance to discuss military preparedness and how this was a national security issue.”
Solomon and M&F owner Jake Wood entrusted Wilkins to lead this unique content initiative. Solomon may not have known exactly what it would look like, but his trust in his old friend assured him that it would be useful and successful.
Solomon added, “There has always been an organic relationship between the military and the global fitness community, a genuine mutual respect. Master Sergeant Wilkins has brought a lot of passion and integrity to this project and it shows no signs of slowing down. We have featured many of the most powerful and influential leaders in these pages.”
Developing and finding a voice
In 2021, a variety of military-oriented articles were published that laid the groundwork for what Wilkins and Solomon had in mind, and the pieces fell into place. The stories were told and connections were made with fitness. “Fit to Serve” was active, but every successful column needs a passionate writer and an opportunity
meeting at the 2021 Olympia Weekend in Orlando, FL was where Wilkins found his. An article about Mr. Olympia competitor Charjo Grant, who also served in the Army National Guard, is written by M&F contributor and longtime freelancer Roger “Rock” Lockridge.
“Rob thanked me and handed me his challenge coin on the spot,” Lockridge said. “As the son of a two-branch veteran, I knew this was important.”
Lockridge and Wilkins had several more conversations that weekend, and Wilkins explained his vision for Fit to Serve. Lockridge saw this as an opportunity not only to continue working as a writer, but also to redeem a personal failure from his younger years.
“I enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard as a high school student, but was disqualified due to knee problems and being underweight,” Lockridge said. “Ironically, I wasn’t able to serve. That was part of what got me on my fitness journey.”
He continued, “By writing this, I can do something to make a difference. Even though I didn’t serve myself, I was able to tell the stories of those who did and hopefully help inspire others to serve.”
The column that became a movement
In the four years since Wilkins and Lockridge joined forces, they have worked together to spotlight American heroes who viewed fitness as a fundamental asset. Wilkins relied on his experience and network to drum up interest and schedule the coveted interviews, while Lockridge asked the questions and put his fingers to the keyboard. As Wilkins explained, that process was not as easy to perform as it was to read.
“We had to prove over the years that this motorcade is a safe place for them. There is enough negativity out there. We want to be an uplifting source and a light for good,” he stated. “There have been stories about the military and fitness before, but never in a series like us. That’s the case now because Roger has proven that he’s not trying to get anyone. He’s there to tell a positive story. They trust him.”
What started as a novel idea has now grown into the world’s leading military fitness column. Fit to Serve has profiled members of all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, as well as first responders, firefighters and police officers. Stories originating from West Point to Beverly Hills and points in between have turned Fit to Serve into a deeply inclusive and diverse collection of inspiring stories. In many cases they are real heroes.
Programs such as the Army’s Holistic Health & Fitness System (H2F), the Recruiter Games, and the Air Force’s Delayed Entry Program have been documented and discussed. The motorcade has even reached the Marine Barracks in Washington, the historic Navy Yard and even the Pentagon to interview the most highly enlisted members of the Air Force and Marines on site.
The efforts put into Fit to Serve have been recognized and recognized by the military in return. Wilkins was named an honorary Air Force recruiter, while Lockridge received a certificate of appreciation after announcing that the Air Force Recruiting Service had met their fiscal year goal early. Other industries have also separately reported much greater success in recruiting. Considering that recruitment in 2021 was deemed a national security issue across all branches, the turnaround in recruitment in general and the AFRS recognition in particular is not lost on Wilkins.
“Sharing these stories has opened people’s minds and shown how important fitness should be to them. It also gives those who may be interested a glimpse into a side of the military they may not have seen before.”
Service and community
Wilkins believed that the stories could be great examples, but that the column also had to have a purpose. Education had to be a priority. That’s why events like the annual meeting of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, a Wellness Symposium at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and interviews with experts in sleep, nutrition, and recovery are all part of this platform.
“We’re going beyond science and conducting real-world research with top experts who bring their wisdom to us so we can help those who serve and protect our country, like our firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders, do better with their nutrition, sleep, etc. We’re working on a solution.”
Aside from the information Fit to Serve shared, much of the information mentioned has since been linked online and in person. Some even consider it like joining a community.
“Seeing people coming together or meeting at events and talking about Fit to Serve is a good reminder of the impact it has,” says Lockridge. “Many of the people we profiled stayed in touch long after their article was published.”
Looking ahead
Fit to Serve has made great progress since its founding, but all eyes are on what’s to come, and Wilkins shares that there are much bigger plans and goals for 2026 and beyond.
“We want to highlight more people, like Medal of Honor recipients and even members of Congress. There’s more ground to cover and we’re prepared to do the work.”
With the support of Wood and Solomon, the leadership of Wilkins, the commitment of Lockridge, and the entire M&F team involved in the publishing process, there are many more stories to be told, including those of young Americans who may now be building their own foundations. Wilkins is optimistic about recognizing future service members who will soon be making their own journeys, and he encourages them as well as their families and supporters to recognize them.
“We will continue to do our part to find those great heroes and share their success in the future.”
If you or someone you know excels while wearing the national dress or as a first responder, let us know on Instagram by tagging @muscleandfitness and using the hashtag #FitToServe.
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