Biggest loser from Nellis drops 80 pounds Published Feb. 8, 2007 By Senior Airman Travis Edwards Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- What a loser! But this time, it's a good thing. Senior Airman Joseph McTaggart, a 22-year-old 99th Services Squadron culinary artist, while on deployment to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, recently lost 83 pounds and said he is very comfortable where he is now. "My goal now [at 167 pounds] is to not exceed 170," said Airman McTaggart. "And I know I can do that with the training I have accomplished." Airman McTaggart was able to accomplish this goal through a food log and Manas Air Base's "biggest loser" program. The "biggest loser" program is a course designed by the deployed services commander imitating the hit TV show that helps overweight men and women lose unwanted pounds as well as introducing them to a healthier lifestyle. "It was great to see [Airman McTaggart] lose all that weight; I was deployed with him to Manas and watched him progress as well as being his fitness partner to help him reach his goal," said Tech. Sgt. Vikram Sachan, Mountain View Dining Facility manger and Airman McTaggart's supervisor while he was deployed. "I am extremely proud of him." Manas' version of the biggest loser places teammates together to drive one another to lose weight, eat healthy and be physically active. "The thought behind a fitness partner is it helps reinforce the 'can do' attitude, keeping them on the path of fitness rather than reverting to previous routines of unhealthy behavior," said Kent Terrillion, health and wellness center fitness program manager. "I wanted to get fit so I could be healthy and not have to worry about high blood pressure, diabetes or, even worse, a heart attack, so early in my life," said the Airman. Along with losing the extra weight, Airman McTaggart also was coined by Col. Timothy Green, 99th Mission Support Group commander, for some outstanding work accomplished during a recent Red Flag. "I wanted Airman McTaggart to know that his midnight Red Flag customers noticed and appreciated his attitude and service so much, their stories were relayed to the deployed commander who told us about him. His smile and desire to help make a positive impact on exercise participants' 'day' throughout the exercise," said Colonel Green. "We are proud of him and all his teammates who take the time to smile and brighten the day of the hundreds of daily customers of our Services Squadron." Since his return to Nellis, this biggest loser has joined a band called Default Chaos, as the lead singer. "Our band has played in just about every venue available in Las Vegas, and we usually sound pretty good," he said. Four months later and 83 pound lighter this Airman is now a huge winner for becoming physically fit and healthier. He and his parents can be proud of his accomplishments on becoming the biggest loser.