Thirty two years may not be old in Sun City, Ariz., but it certainly is in San Antonio. However, that didn't stop an Airman 1st Class who broke his basic training squadron's record for pushups and situps Nov. 9 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Airman 1st Class Francisco Vidal, a personnel specialist who will be assigned to the 446th Force Support Squadron in January, and is attending technical school at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., won the Thunderbolt award for performing 97 pushups and 85 sit ups during his final fitness assessment.

"It felt great," said Vidal, who hails from Mill Creek, Wash. "I saw a goal and it was exciting to break the record."

Vidal's success came as no surprise to his Reserve recruiter, Master Sgt. Charles Loftland, a line recruiter with the Western Recruiting Squadron.

"Francisco is a great example of the model Airman," said Loftland, who recruits out of Tukwila. "He is committed to success. Before he left for basic military training, he set a goal to be the best he could be while there. We will definitely share Vidal's story with others to help them stay motivated in meeting their challenges."

Vidal went through the training and development flight before heading out to basic training, said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Terpening, Western Recruiting Squadron senior recruiter. He's proof that the program works.

The training and development flight helps new 446th Airlift Wing enlistees develop their Air Force skills and knowledge with a heavy emphasis on physical training and memory work.

For more information on 446th AW recruitment activities and events, contact Terpening at 982-3501.

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