KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Sgt. Curtis Sua, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures weights on a barbell May 17, 2018, at a physical fitness center on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Sua recently earned a spot as a member of the 1,000-pound club at the NATO physical fitness center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
By Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield
2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — “Powerlifting is part of my life,” said Sgt. Curtis Sua, an infantryman with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “Every day I have a goal I want to (accomplish) during my workouts, and every day I feel accomplished when I hit (that) goal, regardless of what happens throughout the day.”
The passion this Las Vegas native has for powerlifting and fitness recently earned him the right to call himself a member of the 1,000-pound club at the NATO physical fitness center.
The 1,000-pound club is a challenge with three powerlifting events: squat, bench and deadlift. To be a member of the club, one must be able to lift a total of 1,000 pounds with the combined weight lifted in each event.
Sua joined the club by squatting 390 pounds, benching 280 pounds and deadlifting 445 pounds, lifting a total weight of 1,115 pounds.
“During my last deployment I remember seeing this big board with all the members of the 1,000-pound club, and I would always look up to my squad leaders that had their names on the board,” said Sua. “I wasn’t strong enough at that time (to do the challenge) so it become a goal I wanted to (achieve).”
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Sgt. Curtis Sua, an infantryman with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to lift weights May 17, 2018, during a workout session at a physical fitness center on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
With that goal in mind, Sua changed his focus in physical fitness to powerlifting and now, three years later, he achieved his goal.
“I believe (joining the club) has brought me a step closer to competing for an official powerlifting federation, which is my next goal,” he said.
Before finding powerlifting, Sua was shy, reserved and introverted and used fitness not only to keep his mind off stressful situations but to improve his self-confidence.
“Getting into fitness helped me transform myself and that confidence transferred into my work life,” Sua said.
The confidence he gained over years of staying in top physical shape earned him a personal security detail position for the brigade and Train, Advise and Assist Command-South (TAAC-South).
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Spc. Justin Lacklore, left, an infantryman with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Sgt. Curtis Sua, an infantryman with 2nd IBCT, 4th Inf. Div., talk about their workout plan May 17, 2018, at a physical fitness center on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Lacklore and Sua recently joined the 1,000-pound club at the NATO physical fitness center. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Neysa Canfield)
“PSD is the personal security detail for the commanding general,” said Staff Sgt. Ethan Curran, platoon sergeant for the personal security detail for TAAC-South. “Our job is to protect (the command team); we are essentially bodyguards.”
Sua was selected for the team from among his peers throughout the brigade.
“Sgt. Sua (stood out) because of his high level of physical fitness and willingness to work,” said Curran. “He has a big work ethic and a strong commitment to the mission.”
Curran has been Sua’s supervisor since they both arrived in country, and he said Sua helps the team to improve physical fitness.
“I rely on (Sua) when it comes to physical fitness,” said Curran. “He helps shape workouts for the platoon and educates (us) on fitness and nutrition.
He is engaged with his Soldiers and makes sure they aren’t just (cooped up) in the barracks, especially since they are away from their Families.”
Sua said he enjoys the PSD team and helping his platoon and other Soldiers with fitness and nutrition. He plans to compete in the U.S. Powerlifting Association Colorado State Open Championships.