McConnell Airman loses 100 pounds to join Air Force

Published March 17, 2016
By Senior Airman Colby L. Hardin
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- An Airman in the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron had to make a major life change before joining the Air Force.

Airman 1st Class Dan Chevrette, 22nd LRS heavy equipment mechanic, dropped approximately 100 pounds in order to enlist in the Air Force.

"Being in the Air Force was something I've always dreamed about as a kid, so I knew I had to enlist no matter what it took." said Chevrette

"I went into the recruiter's office weighing about 275 to 285 pounds." said Chevrette.

The recruiter had bad news for Chevrette; he was too big and unhealthy to join.

From that day, Chevrette decided he would change his entire lifestyle; from his eating habits to his exercise routine.

"I started working out every morning," said Chevrette. "As far as eating goes, I completely cut fast food out of my diet. Chicken and rice was my best friend. To this day, it's still my all-time favorite meal."

While in the process of his transformation, Chevrette went from struggling to run a mile each morning up to five miles without stopping.

"I think it was more of a slap in the face, getting told that I couldn't do something because of how unhealthy I was," added Chevrette. "That was the extra little push I needed to change."

Chevrette said being healthy changed his entire life. He became more confident and outgoing. Instead of just sitting in his room, watching movies and playing video games, Chevrette got involved in outdoor events.

"After I started working out more, it made me want to hang out with my friends more and be more human." said Chevrette.

Chevrette's dad was another huge inspiration to him and a big part of why he wanted to join the Air Force originally.

"He was the person nudging me and telling me 'Hey, you can do this; it's not impossible'," Chevrette added. "He was also the one person who was most proud of me when the time came for me to enlist."

After a year of working out, Chevrette returned to the same recruiter who told him he wouldn't be able to join, and he was entered into the Delayed Enlistment Program.

"The recruiter told me that he remembered everyone that ever came into his office, but he told me he didn't remember me," said Chevrette. "That hurt, but it was still like a morale victory for me that I kind of got to rub it in his face."

Still, Chevrette keeps up with his workouts and diets. Since joining, he has put on 10 pounds of muscle and scores over 90 points on his physical fitness test.

"That recruiter sending me away was probably the best motivation I have received," said Chevrette. "I like being told that I can't do something, it gives me a chance to proof doubters wrong."