FROM TODAY'S SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE
http://www.sgvtribune.com/living/ci_16210136

Too many video games. Too much bad food. Too little exercise.

All compromise the health of today's youth and their ability to perform physical tasks.

The leadership of Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron 20 in Chino has become concerned that its cadets are not able to progress in rank because they can't pass physical fitness tests.

"In the last three years, I have noticed the fitness levels were declining," said Andrea Binder, the squadron's captain for four years and a CAP member for 11 years.

"I've seen larger-sized kids come in. I've seen greater numbers of kids come in, close to 65 percent or maybe 75 percent, who aren't meeting each (fitness) level (to get promoted)," she said.

"Big issues are push-ups and the one-mile run. They just can't meet it (the requirements)," she said. "Their cardio levels are really low. They don't have endurance."

So the squadron's leadership hooked up with former Army Ranger Sergio Machado, a mixed-martial arts fighter and owner of a new martial arts school in Chino called Team 3 Fight Academy.

"I felt it was important for me to give back," Machado said. "It's an honor for me to teach them and help bring change into their life."

Binder said Machado will work with the squadron every other Saturday morning.

The squadron has cadets from cities including Chino, Ontario, Norco, Fontana, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga and Lytle Creek.

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force with 58,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90 percent of the continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

Nationally, CAP volunteers also perform homeland security tasks, disaster relief and counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

The adult members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 23,000 young people, ages 12 to 21, currently participating in CAP cadet programs.

Binder said her concerns extend beyond cadets passing their fitness requirements to include being able to perform their mission assignments - which could include finding downed aircraft in rugged terrain.

Male cadets, age 15, at a noncommissioned officer rank, must do 25 push-ups, 41 sit-ups, and run a 8:08 mile, among other physical fitness test requirements.

Even at the most basic entry level, cadets are having problems meeting those levels, Binder said.

"Three to four years ago, kids were passing left and right and becoming officers (who have higher fitness requirements)," Binder said.

On a recent evening, Machado, 32, put cadets through several sets of sweat-drenching push-ups, squats, jumping jacks, jogging in place and short sprints.

Said Blane Paltza, 12, of Norco: "It was more fun than (PE at) school."

Binder also entered an arrangement with 24 Hour Fitness in Chino Hills so that the cadets could use the facility on certain occasions.

Cadets from Squadron 20 have gone on to enlist in the Air Force, Army, Marines and Coast Guard.

Several West Point and Coast Guard Academy graduates have come from its ranks as well.

Posted: 09/29/2010 07:06:04 PM PDT