Civilian records fourth perfect score on PT test Published May 29, 2008 By Valerie Mullett 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- More than four years ago, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. John Jumper implemented the new "Fit to Fight" program and since that time, Airmen everywhere are living up to the standards the program set into motion. One Malmstrom civilian employee has jumped on the fit to fight bandwagon as well, by not only meeting the standards for his age group, but by perfecting them. Eric Thayer, a community readiness consultant with the Airman and Family Readiness Center here, just took his fourth Air Force physical training test May 22 and scored his fourth 100 percent on it. The retired Army Reservist-turned civil servant said he always had trouble with the Army's PT test. He always passed it, but was never quite able to master it. Employed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, following his retirement, when General Jumper's fit to fight program was introduced, Mr. Thayer decided to see what he could do. "I wanted to test myself because I like to stay in shape and it (the PT test) represented a challenge for me," he said. He tested twice at Eielson and was perfect both times. "Ever since I scored a 100 percent the first time, my goal has been to keep achieving that mark," the former mental health technician said. So far, he has been able to do that. The New Hampshire native admits that running isn't a passion of his but it is a part of his weekly workout routine. "I run because it's an easy way to keep the pounds off and stay in shape," he said. Typically, it's a 6.2 mile run near his home with his favorite running mate, his yellow Labrador, Jasper, by his side. He also hits the gym at least three times a week for weight training and cardiovascular work outs. "I really miss my gym time when I am not able to get in a work out," the 43-year-old said. Scoring the test for Mr. Thayer on his fourth attempt at perfection was Staff Sgt. David Boice, a chaplains assistant here. "No other civilian has expressed interest to me in taking the PT test," he said. "I have worked out with many civilian personnel and I am impressed by their efforts toward physical fitness." But he is particularly impressed with what Mr. Thayer was able to achieve this time around. "He was not only 100 percent compliant with the PT standard, he exceeded the standard in every category," Sergeant Boice said. Mr. Thayer's time to beat for the mile-and-a half run was 10:24; he ran it in 9:30 - a :54 second cushion. He needed to pump out 40 push-ups and 47 crunches in a minute's time, each, to meet the PT test standard; he did 50 of each in the allotted time. "Even though I am a civilian, I am still a member of my squadron. Why shouldn't I be in as good as shape as the active-duty members?" he rationalized. One person who appreciates that sentiment more than anyone is the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Karyn Wright. "I am very proud of Eric, not only on this achievement but his overall daily contributions to our customers and the Mission Support Squadron," Colonel Wright said. "Eric's personal achievement serves as an awesome reminder to us all and I'm honored to be his commander."