Master Sgt. Mitchell Smardz, 103rd Airlift Wing loadmaster, is no stranger to living a healthy lifestyle; working out is just one of the reasons why he wakes up every morning. When he had the opportunity to become a Master Fitness Trainer for the Connecticut National Guard’s Fitness Improvement Program, he earned his certification and put his knowledge and experience to use helping Soldiers and Airmen through several iterations of the program. He was awarded for his efforts with his first Army Commendation Medal May 28, 2019 at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Conn.