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| Home Front: WoT |
| Michigan Dad Loses 230 Pounds to Enlist in Army |
| 2005-11-05 |
| When a recruiter stopped by to talk to his son, Roderick Evans was the one sold on the military. The Detroit home health care specialist had a passion for helping others and a desire to make a difference. A military medical career sounded like a perfect fit. The recruiter, on the other hand, saw a different picture. He took one look at Evans and said, "You're just too big." At 5 feet, 7 inches and 418 pounds, Evans could hardly disagree. But instead of easing the rejection with his usual overdose of comfort foods, he went on a weight-loss crusade. Fueled by sheer willpower and a determination to join the military, the 36-year-old finally conquered a lifelong battle with his weight. Three years and 230 pounds lighter, Evans again saw a recruiter. This time, he was met with a much different reception. "He had me come down to his office for a (fitness) test," said Evans, now 39 years old and a svelte 165 pounds. "I passed with flying colors and signed up for the Reserves on the spot." More at link |
| Posted by:Bobby |
| #7 Hey! Mebbe one a yous could find out how to applaud Pvt Evans - find some sorta contact info? |
| Posted by: Bobby 2005-11-05 22:25 |
| #6 Hey! Mebbe one a yous could find out how to applaud Pvt Evans - find some sorta contact info? |
| Posted by: Bobby 2005-11-05 22:22 |
| #5 Since 9/11 I've often felt like Shakespeare's "men who think themselves accursed and hold their manhoods cheap", feeling despite the 49 years, the bad back and the achy knees that I belong back in uniform. My wife, on the other hand, probably breathed a sigh of relief after I was diagnosed with osteoporosis in my lumbar spine...my doc made it OFFICIAL that I'd be more trouble to the service than I'd possibly be worth. The gent profiled in this article sounds like a hell of a man, and a great example both for his own kids and his younger fellow soldiers. Good on yer, PVT Evans! |
| Posted by: Ricky bin Ricardo (Abu Babaloo) 2005-11-05 19:45 |
| #4 Ya, 25 years ago I was a poor white trash boy that had too many drugs and no hope of a job. Until they close the self service gas stations, the only real job I ever had was pumping gas, I guess I'll have to wait out another administration. Damn, get the reenlistment papers ready! |
| Posted by: 49 pan 2005-11-05 18:53 |
| #3 Waitaminute! I read only poor, southern, ignorant, uneducated, unemployable guys joined the military because the Bushitler economy is so bad, they are afraid they can't get low-paying, unrewarding jobs? What dwas the WaPo subtitle the other day? Fear of Unemployment overcomes Fear of Military? Something like that. |
| Posted by: Bobby 2005-11-05 18:45 |
| #2 Great job and photo! |
| Posted by: 49 pan 2005-11-05 17:56 |
| #1 Comfort food... my bane... damn, I'm fat... Kudos for Mr. Evans, sheer willpower and a very selfless move too! |
| Posted by: anonymous5089 2005-11-05 16:46 |