How I Serve at Fort Bragg: 1TSC Automated Logistical Specialist

Sgt. Merrell Lowe has been an inspiration to his peers and other soldiers by bringing an awareness about diabetes to fellow soldiers while leading a fitness program that he developed.

Lowe is a 92A, an automated logistical specialist, with the 1st Theater Sustainment Command. He might be the operations non-commissioned officer (nco) in the orderly room tracking a myriad of information, but he has a reputation for his killer exercise classes, known as Lowe's workout. The classes take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch, from 11:30-12:30 p.m. at the Dahl fitness center. On Tuesday and Thursday he also offers an after work class at 5:30 or 6 p.m.

"When I'm home from work, I relax and zone out, sometimes catch a nap, when I am home," said Lowe. "A couple of cold baths - I'm not afraid to say I enjoy a bath to relax."

Lowe has instant accountability in place for maintaining his health and well being through teaching his own fitness classes, but says it's motivating for all when done in a group.

He runs three to four miles for morning physical training (p.t.) every other day, and then starts his training at lunch at the Dahl fitness center, sometimes after work - to include cardio and weights on Saturday, but it has not always been this way for the Fort Bragg based soldier.

Back in 2009 Lowe had experienced some initial symptoms of severe fatigue, but credited it to stress, long work hours and not eating right. He brushed off the signs but eventually had some cramps in his legs, so painful that he could not walk. Lowe's spouse forced him to go get it checked out, and thankfully he did. The doctor immediately admitted him and told him he had the highest numbers on the chart for diabetes that they had ever seen.

Lowe survived the diabetic coma and after getting his system flushed out and back to normal he holds himself to a strict diet and exercise regiment. With a new lease on life, Lowe did not have a choice this time. Shortly into his new routine, he was feeling better and was sold.

To this day, Lowe still checks and tracks his blood sugar levels and leads the way in fitness. He is an inspiration to all who know him and his story is getting out in the Fort Bragg community; he hopes to help others by telling it.