Several of the nation’s leaders in research, military wellness and sports gathered at the Stars & Stripes offices in Washington, D.C. for a conference. Military Health Symposium hosted by M&F Senior Military Editor, the Honorable Rob Wilkins. This was the fourth edition of the symposium, which is designed to educate, inform and inspire attendees on ways to improve the fitness and well-being of America’s warfighters and veterans.
Wilkins said, “This was my fourth symposium in 25 years and the impact is undeniable.” Among the topics covered are training, rehabilitation, the importance of fitness as a national security issue, and why it’s all important to every generation of military and civilians alike. Stars and stripes publisher Max Lederer gave the opening speech of the day. During the six-hour-plus event, there were five keynotes that attracted an invitation-only audience throughout the day.
America 250, Decade of Sports and Ukraine War Updates
There has been much focus on the United States’ 250th anniversary, as well as the “Decade of Sports,” which includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Summer Olympics and 2034 Winter Olympics, all to be held on American soil.
Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director White House Task Force for the 2026 FIFA World Cupto the audience on how they are coordinating efforts to maximize safety and efficiency through the visa process so fans can travel to the United States to enjoy the festivities and competition. He also provided information on the involvement of the military and veterans in supporting the process. U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Chief Operating Officer Coby Langley provided an update on preparations for the 2028 Olympics and spoke about the importance of programs like the World Class Athlete Program, which he said allows military members to volunteer twice and represent the U.S. as athletes. These men and women who serve as “Warriors and Olympians” are likely to be the subject of a lot of media attention, while there are Olympic clashes, and he explained how to support these competitors in the best ways to target the largest audience.
Ukraine’s former ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, also spoke about the lessons Ukrainians have learned and applied during their four-year struggle against Russia, including lessons in preparation, fitness and recovery. He also shared a positive message that the country’s resolve is strong, thanks in part to the support of Americans.
Sleep is more important than ever
Throughout the day, several speakers included the importance of sleep as part of their presentations. Quality rest and recovery was emphasized as a necessity for military personnel and Americans in general. Dr. Tina Burke and Sarah Alger of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research The top experts in the room were on the subject, and they covered both the downsides of sleep deprivation (like how 5 hours or less for five days can equal being legally drunk) as well as strategies for improving quantity and quality. Some of Burke’s tips include keeping the room cool, dark, and having a set routine each night to ensure consistency.
Pay attention to the additional market
There are more brands and supplements on the market than ever before, and three out of four service members use them. The downside to this is that they don’t face many of the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration as a prescription or food, they can run the risk of taking something that shouldn’t be harmful to their health or failing a drug test.
Andrea Lindsay, Senior Nutrition Scientist and Director, Additional operational security risks of taking supplements, such as overdose, other ingredients not listed, lack of third-party testing, etc. While nothing can be foolproof, Lindsay has provided a list of guidelines that can check a supplement to be generally safe.
Among them are verified and independent third-party testing, fewer than six ingredients, a completely transparent label with no proprietary additives or complexes, no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, no dubious claims if the ingredients are easily pronounced, and if any ingredient has less than 200% of the daily value. The index sheet is available on the site OPSS website.
Make children more physically active
Michael Zharka from Defense Health Agency Addressing concerns about how more than 70% of American children are not eligible for services, it could be a multi-billion dollar issue for the country in the future. 1984 Olympic silver medalist and president National Fitness Foundation Judy Brown Clark is partly to blame for this controversy, suggesting causes such as too much screen time, not enough time outside, and a lack of quality food. He also suggested solutions such as making healthier choices, teaching the importance of goal setting, and stronger systems in schools and communities.
“That’s all we need,” he said firmly.
Dr. Gabriel Paoletti discusses comprehensive strategies for improving human functioning, as well as how being present in children’s lives and paying more attention to them can be a way to prepare them for the future and maintain confidence in themselves as parents.
Future veterans need to prepare now
In addition to the importance of preparing the next generation to be their best selves in adulthood, experts emphasized how important it is for veterans to focus on their health and wellness after they leave the service and for the rest of their lives.
According to VA Chief of Veteran Affairs Linda Davis, Ph.D., this requires preparing for the transition while they are still in uniform. Knowing early on what interests and responsibilities they have can help make this transition as seamless as possible so they can enter the next chapter of life with confidence. Davis provided information on how the process should go, stressing that it is as important to the veteran’s family as it is to the person leaving the service. Michael “Sully” Sullivan of Team RWB was also there to share how they work to keep service members and veterans connected and active so they can continue to be their best and make a difference after their last uniform is worn.
Kinesiology expert and Rutgers University professor Matt Brisky closed the symposium by covering sarcopenia, the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function. He showed the MRI images of the elderly compared to those who did not exercise, and the results were surprising. Those who exercised had more muscle tissue, less body fat, delayed muscle loss and preserved function compared to those who did not. The results were clear; If you want to live a long and healthy life as an adult, you have to start young.
Future wellness symposia are expected, but details have not been announced as of writing.
