NCO gives back with ‘Delicious Abs’

Story and photo by Senior Airman Katherine Holt
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


For Staff Sgt. Kedist Burnett, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron dorm manager, it isn’t about winning a popularity contest or being in the spotlight. For this Jamaica native, it is about something more than that.

“When people come to me after a class and say, ‘You helped me pass my PT test,” or, “You helped me make a 90 (percent),’ that is why I do what I do,” Burnett said. “Hearing their success stories feels good. To know that I was able to motivate them and help them is all I need.”

What started as a regular abs class in 2008 with 25 to 30 attendees has grown into “Delicious Abs.” This core-focused workout class is taught twice a week to more than 100 students per class.

“I have been taking the class for four months,” said Tech. Sgt. Heather Mitchell, 2nd Air Postal Squadron. “This class is my motivator. I have lost 20 pounds with this class, changing my diet and other exercise routines.”

The family oriented class is designed for everyone’s fitness level.

“It is catered to anyone who wants to work out,” Burnett said. “It doesn’t matter if you are young, old, in shape, out of shape; the class has exercises that everyone can accomplish.”

For 45 minutes, attendees will sweat, ache and push their limit while listening to fast-paced music and an upbeat instructor.

“You will come out of the class sweating, but you will feel good about yourself,” Burnett said. “When you keep coming and you notice you are doing better, you get addicted and you won’t want to stop.”

Mitchell agrees.

“When I first started, I could barely make it past the warm up,” she said. “Now I can complete the whole class and feel good in the end.”

Burnett has three more years on station and intends to teach the class until he leaves.

“As long as I am here, the class is going to happen,” he said. “This is my community service. It is how I give back to the people around me.”