Airman uses triumph in powerlifting championship to inspire, motivate others

Published May 8, 2025
By Airmen Kayla Karelas
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --

Tightly gripping his hands around the cold metal bar, a rush of adrenaline flowed through his body as the echoing sounds of encouragement from his wingmen, friends and family got louder nearby.

“I want to be the best I can,” Staff Sgt. Wilmer Hernandez, 374th Surgical Operations Squadron ultrasound NCO in charge, repeated to himself as he stepped onto the platform for the USA Powerlifting Military, Police & Firefighter National Championship.

Weighing a total of 148 lbs, Hernandez accomplished squatting more than 407 lbs, benching more than 264 lbs and deadlifting more than 540 lbs. This feat earned him gold in his weight class, top 20 of male powerlifters and the number one lifter at his respective weight.

However, this level of achievement wasn't always the reality for Hernandez when it came to physical activity.

Before powerlifting, Hernandez focused mainly on being a nutritionist and personal trainer to others. Though a passion, he felt his personal gym routine had become mundane with a lack of mental and physical growth.

“I felt like I hit a plateau,” said Hernandez. “I had lost interest in working out, I was just doing whatever, then going home.”

For Hernandez, a goal-oriented mindset is the key to staying focused and successful and his routine at the time did not satisfy his ambitious needs.

“My brother and best friend had been powerlifting for years,” he recalled.. “They had me sign up for a powerlifting competition so I could have something to work toward.”

Immediately after his first competition, Hernandez found a strong enthusiasm for powerlifting.

“I’m super passionate about the sport,” said Hernandez. “I want to pay it forward by coaching others and bringing those around me up.”

Airmen completes a deadlift. — Airman uses triumph in powerlifting championship to inspire, motivate others

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wilmer Hernandez, 374th Surgical Operations Squadron ultrasound NCO in charge, completes a deadlift at the USA Powerlifting Military, Police & Firefighter National Championship, Mar. 15, 2025. Weighing a total of 148 lbs, Hernandez accomplished squatting over 407 lbs, benching over 264 lbs and deadlifting over 540 lbs. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Airmen poses for a photo. — Airman uses triumph in powerlifting championship to inspire, motivate others

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Wilmer Hernandez, 374th Surgical Operations Squadron ultrasound NCO in charge, poses for a photo at the USA Powerlifting Military, Police & Firefighter National Championship, Mar. 15, 2025. Weighing a total of 148 lbs, Hernandez accomplished squatting over 407 lbs, benching over 264 lbs and deadlifting over 540 lbs. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Powerlifting has helped Hernandez both in his personal life and as a service member, where the strength and discipline required to excel in the sport goes hand-in-hand with the demands of being an Airman.

“A big part of being a service member is being fit and strong,” he said. “In my job, for medical, I have to make sure I am strong enough to lift a patient if I need to.

“It may simply be powerlifting, but as a military member, we work day in and day out, so if I can do it, I know that other people in the community can do it,” said Hernandez. “Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to show up. You don’t have to have all the muscle in the world, as long as you can make the effort to get stronger, make progress and improve - that’s enough.”

Using his expertise in personal training, nutrition and powerlifting, Hernandez’s devotion to encourage excellence led him to train fellow Airmen, which eventually led to their own gold medal achievements in the same competition.

“Willpower and motivation is not always going to be there,” said Hernandez. “Having the mental momentum of being able to track what you’re doing and keep positive pays off not only in the gym, but everywhere in life.”

Hernandez believes that winning gold at the USAPL Military, Police & Firefighters National Championship proudly demonstrates his commitment to physical readiness and Yokota’s mission.

“Our mission here at Yokota is to be ready,” said Hernandez. “It doesn’t matter how much muscle you have, as long as you’re dedicated and consistent, you’ll reach whatever your goal is while accomplishing the mission.”