Action Line #100701 - Hot Dog Eating Contest

  • Published
  • By 39th Air Base Wing
  • Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint:
I saw in the recent Hodja Happenings that the base is sponsoring a Hot Dog Eating Contest. Are we serious? Are we publicizing gorging ourselves for the enjoyment of others while still asking everyone to meet new Air Force Physical Training standards? This sounds like a great idea. Let's also invite an audience for those completing the PT test and while we're at it, let's all gather around and watch individuals get counseled by their commanders for not meeting PT standards.

While this may be a fun event it is completely sending the wrong idea, regardless of who is conducting it or sponsoring it. The AF should be sponsoring healthy events, such as the 5k runs or weight lifting contest. They all don't have to be geared toward fitness events either, any wellness event will work. I do not believe this Hotdog eating contest has anything to do with wellness. My recommendation, offer everyone on base a free hot dog and then have the Health and Wellness Center out there with nutritional information about what we are eating.

Response:
I am glad to see that you have concen for your fellow Airmen and you are a great wingman. Fitness and wellness-themed events are offered throughout the year. At past Independence Day events, three-on-three basketball tournaments, home run derbies and volleyball tournaments were offered, unfortunately they garnered very little participation. This year a different approach was taken by offering an activity that brought a taste of home to Incirlik and didn't require any planning on behalf of potential participants. There was great interest and participation in this year's hot dog eating event. The contest was intended to be fun, with a limited time of two minutes so participants could not eat too much. We are confident that the military participants are aware of Air Force fitness requirements and would not have participated if they felt it would have been detrimental to their long term health and wellness. Thanks for your concern in this matter.