Holistic Health and Fitness has become an essential component of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade’s (CAB) approach to maintaining the overall well-being of its Soldiers. By addressing the five domains of H2F – physical, sleep, mental, nutritional, and spiritual – the program aims to enhance readiness and resilience in the face of challenging missions. The 101st CAB H2F team led a March Madness Challenge at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, on March 19, 2025, with the goal of educating Soldiers about the benefits of H2F. The event featured a series of challenges that tested participants’ physical and mental limits, including:
- a rigorous individual body squat challenge
- a question-and-answer session on mental, sleep, and nutritional readiness
- a two-person plank challenge
During the event, participants were provided with information on the five domains of H2F and the benefits of each. For example, did you know that 30 minutes of moderate exercise can lead to a three-hour increase in energy? “Sleep is extremely important,” said Capt. Angela McCalla, a licensed occupational therapist with the 101st CAB H2F team. “It is a foundational piece of Soldier wellness and is crucial for optimal functioning. We want to increase the readiness of our Soldiers, and we need them to get adequate sleep so they can resupply their stores of energy, attention and focus.”
The event also featured a conversation with Maj. Michael Dawson, the 101st CAB Chaplain, who discussed the importance of spiritual resiliency. He highlighted that the five domains often overlap and that adopting the ‘Eagle Mindset’ can help Soldiers overcome mental obstacles.
“The Eagle Mindset is a mindfulness approach that centers on channeling inner strength and grit despite hardships,”
said Maj. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the commanding officer of the 101st Airborne Division. “It aims to strengthen mental toughness, resiliency, and spiritual core, and to introduce Soldiers to FM 7-22 concepts.”
“When our Soldiers are taking care of their physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, they are better equipped to put the mission first,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Marcus R. Pitts, the command sergeant major of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. “The Warrior Ethos reminds us that ‘I will always place the mission first,’ and by prioritizing Holistic Health and Fitness, we are empowering our Soldiers to do just that – to perform at their best, to make sound decisions, and to remain resilient in the face of adversity, ultimately ensuring the success of our mission and the safety of our teammates.”
The March Madness Challenge was a success in teaching Soldiers how to leverage the H2F program to increase their readiness and meet their personal needs. As Capt. McCalla said, “Anytime we get Soldiers in the door, it’s a success.”
“We want to educate our Soldiers, have fun, get some healthy competition and get to crown a winner,” said Capt. McCalla. “With the education we are able to provide, our Soldiers are taking home so much more information than what they came with. Some of it might seem extremely specific but it makes them ask more questions and helps them to understand that we are here to answer the questions for them.”
The 101st CAB H2F team’s efforts to promote H2F have led to a significant improvement in the overall well-being of its Soldiers. By addressing the five domains of H2F, the program aims to enhance readiness and resilience in the face of challenging missions.
