On the latest audio edition of “Listen In With KNN” sports talk podcast and radio show with award-winning host Kelsey Nicole Nelson, retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant and fitness expert Rob Wilkins joined the show to discuss the importance of leading an active lifestyle as well as share the lessons he’s learned from working with the military.
The Honorable Rob Wilkins’ life is filled with experiences and accolades that encapsulate his dedication to the cause of health and wellness. He served our nation for 26 years as a USAF member, during which he toured overseas in Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy and received numerous military decorations.
For five years, under both the Trump and Biden administrations, Wilkins was appointed as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition (PCSFN). In March of this year, he was named the inaugural Ambassador for the National Fitness Foundation (NFF). The list goes on interminably as Wilkins has built a platform on the intersections of fitness, advocacy and military service.
To begin their conversation, Nelson asked Wilkins about the most captivating development in the D.C. sports world — the Jayden Daniels hail mary in the Commanders’ Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears, situating his team in first place in the NFC East. In response, Wilkins spoke about the unifying effect of celebrating such an electric play.
“It’s the kind of enthusiasm and community that our nation needs. And if the Washington Commanders can be an example of that, that’s great for us.”
Next, Nelson worked through some of the stops Wilkins has made on his journey, starting with the PCSFN. The Council “promotes programs and initiatives that motivate people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to lead active, healthy lives.” Nelson prompted Wilkins to recall his emotions to when he was first selected to serve on the Council.
“I know I can do this and I know I’m going to be able to be effective,” he remembered thinking when he got the job. “It was a big deal, but it was part of, like, ‘mission accomplished’ for me.”
Wilkins brought this confidence and passion to the forefront of his work with the PCSFN. He told Nelson about his work to combat not only food deserts but fitness deserts as well, and the importance of tailoring his approach to meet the needs of a specific population. Above all, Wilkins discussed doing all of these things from a positive place with good intentions.
He noted, “I think people support you when they know that you have a clear agenda, that there is no hidden agenda, and that you want to make something better…When people know that your will is strong, positive and for the good of all, then why not support you?”
The duo then segued their conversation to Wilkins’ military background, both in service and in retirement advocacy. He first addressed some of the barriers to joining the military, including its conflation with some of America’s broader issues and if people are eager to represent that.
But, Wilkins also described what military service means to him and his family, which can be traced all the way back to his sixth great-grandfather, Pate Wells Milner, who fought in the Revolutionary War. He quickly revisited the theme of unity that kicked off the podcast.
“Our military is probably the example that the rest of our country looks at for how diversity and inclusion have made us the strongest, most prepared military in the world,” Wilkins claimed. “It’s because everybody has a chance to participate and everybody, based on their skill and the opportunities provided to them, can show up and shine.”
Due to his dedication, even after his service, to promoting the US Air Force, Wilkins was acknowledged with a Certificate of Appreciation and named an Honorary Recruiter in October. Nelson asked him about what the honor meant to him, and he remained humble despite the recognition.
“I was appreciative, but I’m thinking, that’s what somebody should expect from me,” Wilkins stated plainly. “Pats on the back are nice, but really what it is is…to continue to do good things and hope that some of the people that we touch will pick it up after my time has passed.”
Adding to his laundry list of accomplishments, Wilkins also received an Air Force Commendation Medal for a recent initiative. As a true champion of fitness and wellness, he highly recommends health screenings to all of his fellow Air Force members because he knows that it can save lives. In this case, three Airmen discovered that they had diabetes from the assessment Wilkins developed.
Of this noble act, he simply said, “That’s what happens when you think that you’re doing the right thing for the right reason.”
Returning back to the topic of sports, Nelson brought up that Wilkins is part of the 2024 Army Navy Game Organizing Committee, a college football tradition. He spoke about the implications of this game being so much more far-reaching than just football.
“It’s also to increase awareness of the military, increase awareness of having a team of a diverse background coming together with this shared purpose,” Wilkins remarked. “But after the game, these two teams will come together and be part of America’s greatest team. They will show support to each other, because they may eventually be on the battlefield as one unit.”
As Nelson and Wilkins wrapped up the episode, they alluded to the looming presidential election taking place and what the military’s role is in the potentially polarizing aftermath. Once again, for Wilkins, it all comes back to togetherness and bridging the divide.
“We want to be part of the element that brings the country back together again, that reunites us,” he proposed. “We think that, through sports, community activities, the military, we can all help be a part of that solution…we’re still Americans and let’s see what we can do to make our country better, bolder, and progress forward.”
With that hopeful sentiment, Wilkins displayed his ability to combine all of the values he’s formed throughout his experiences to cultivate his current platform of positivity. With Veteran’s Day on the horizon, this conversation was a necessary reminder to thank the brave men and women who’ve served our country.
Listen to the full episode below.
