While we know that our United States troops are not just sitting around as they protect our rights and freedoms. They are getting big and swoll in the process. Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan hosted a powerlifitng competition for troops representing various unites over the weekend.
Lance Cpl. Eddie Toma, an administrative clerk serving with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, won first place in Camp Leatherneck’s 1000 pound powerlifting competition.
Members from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines were on display, according to dvidshub.net. The competitors performed three lifts: bench press, deadlifts, and back squats. The winner was crowned based on the total weight he successfully lifted in the three combined. Lifters whose total reached over 1,000 lbs were given trophies and crowned members of the 1,000-pound club.
After 30 lifters went, the winner was named Cpl. Eddie Toma, a Marine from Chicago. He lifted a combined 1,330 pounds (Bench: 375, Deadlift: 550, Squat: 405).
“When I’m in the weight room it allows me to focus on nothing but lifting,” Toma said to dvidshub.net. He said that he just enjoyed relieving stress in the weight room and is grateful that he can compete in these competitions while he is deployed.
The competition provided a boost in morale for the units and allowed the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines (Toma’s squad) to gain bragging rights over the others.
Trial and Lift 