Atkins garners Tinker Athlete of the Year award

Tinker Air Force Base -- Robert Atkins, 507th Air Refueling Wing executive officer, was recently selected as the Tinker Air Force Base Athlete of the Year for 2005.

The announcement was made recently at the Wing Commander' s Call with Col.
Mark Correll, 72nd Air Base Wing commander, making the presentation.

Capt. Robert Atkins participates in many intramural sports on the base, including flag football, softball, bench press competitions, ping pong, 5k runs and triathlon. His achievements in the last year include 1st Place, Men's 25-29, Half Iron Redman (5:46:42); 2nd Place, Men's Open, Tinker Triathlon (48:08); 2nd Place, Gerrity overall, Bench Press Competition; 2nd Place Gerrity, Table Tennis Tournament; 4th Place, Men's 35-under, Ft. Sill Triathlon; 13th place, August 5k run, Gen. Hill Conference Center (24:32); and took 4th Place in his age group during the Army Ft. Sill Body versus Earth Triathlon, multi-service athletic event.

After months and months of training, he met and exceeded his goal of completing the inaugural Half Iron Redman Triathlon at Hefner Lake in September 2005. Not only did
he beat his goal time of six hours, but he won his age group in the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run event with a time of 5 hours, 46 minutes, and 42 seconds.
Atkins was submitted for the honor by Brig. Gen. Dean J. Despinoy, former commander, who stated, "As the overall Unit Fitness Monitor for the 507th ARW, he not only maintains his excellent Fit to Fight score, but helps manage the entire program for over 1,200 full-time Air Reserve Technicians and traditional reservists. I have seen many people go to him for guidance, and improve their score by following his advice concerning diet, exercise and overall healthy living."

Captain Atkins' character is reflected by the fact that he has been the only Reserve officer on the Tinker Base Honor Guard for the last three years. His major formal accomplishments include being selected as Wing Company Grade Officer of the Quarter and Year, Federal Executive Board Employee of the Year and the Squadron Officer School Chief of Staff flight.

"I am excited to be recognized in such a way, where I get an award for something I enjoy doing anyway," said Captain Atkins.

"I just think it is great that Col. Mark Correll took the time to come out on a weekend to present the award. As the Wing Exec, I am used to always preparing commander's
calls and getting awards ready for other people to receive, so it was neat to be on the receiving end this time!" Atkins is a current member of the Tinker Sports Advisory
Council and helps coach his daughter's 5-year-old soccer team.