You may know the Honorable Rob Wilkins as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition or as the Senior Military Editor for Muscle & Fitness. In addition to these positions, Wilkins is also a proud father, husband, and 26-year veteran of the United States Air Force. While others might separate serving the country and personal fitness, Wilkins found the two intertwined throughout his life.
The Wilkins family has been. Engaged in the service of America from the beginning. His sixth great-grandfather was involved in the American Revolution in the 1770s. That connection, along with a personal desire to serve his country, drove the New Jersey native to get involved. In his view, it is a family tradition.
“I have a few cousins who are currently serving, so from the Revolutionary War to the present day, someone on my mother’s or father’s side of the family has served in the military. We feel honored to be a part of it. There are those who protect our freedoms.
Wilkins’ personal journey in the military began when he joined the United States Air Force. Besides following in the footsteps of his ancestors, he found it a great way to find adventure, travel the world and meet lots of people.
“I got to see what the world looked like outside of New Jersey. I chose the Air Force because I had an uncle who served, and we talked about it,” he recalled. “So, I joined in 1982, and I went to Lakeland Boot Camp in January 1983.”
During his military career, Wilkins visited and worked in 43 different countries, including Germany, England, and Italy. He also spent time in Florida, and worked at the Pentagon for the last eight years of his career.
While he was stationed in West Germany (during the Cold War), Wilkins took up weight training and wanted to learn more about how he could get in better shape. She felt that it not only helped prepare her for future deployments, but it also helped boost her self-confidence. His research led him to discover the men who could be called the fathers of the bodybuilding industry, Joe and Ben Vedder. The Wilkins chose to send him a Christmas card one year to thank him for his passion and efforts.
“I didn’t think anything of it. I just enjoyed the magazines.
Both Joe and Ben wrote back to him. Ben Wider himself served in the military for his native Canada. Therefore, he felt a connection with the young American. Vedder expressed his gratitude with the hope that they can work together in the future once they are back on American soil. Once Wilkins was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, he followed up by writing another letter to Ben.
“I caught him,” he said with a laugh. “At first, I thought it was just kind words, but it meant it.”
In 1990, Ben Weider appointed Wilkins as the IFBB liaison to the military, a position he was very proud of, and allowed him to remain associated with Weider for the next several years. Both waders will offer donations to the military such as supplements or clothing, tickets to shows, and in some cases money. Wilkins was the coordinator of these partnerships.
“I’ll know what’s needed, give that information to Ben, and we’ll make it happen. Then if possible I’ll help arrange a meeting so they can thank him for his kindness. His heart I was a military man.
Ben Wieder died in 2008, as did Joe in 2013, but the Wilkins persevere in fulfilling their shared mission to promote fitness within and outside the military community. Another opportunity to serve came when he was named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Wilkins was confirmed to serve a two-year term under President Donald Trump, and was asked by President Joe Biden to serve another term. There are not many Americans who have served under two presidential administrations, and even fewer who have served under different political parties. This is a tribute to Wilkins’ commitment to the country.
“There are few things that bring me immense joy. One is family, the other is my military service, and then serving my country once again as a member of the President’s Council on Sports, Health and Nutrition. There’s opportunity,” he said proudly. “There are people who can’t agree on a lot of things, but they can agree on going to the gym or working out.”
Wilkins has taken his commitment to passion to a new level, especially for the month of November. He founded National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, a month that aims to raise awareness among the military community about the importance of physical activity, stress management and proper nutrition. Dan Solomon, president of Muscle & Fitness, and Frank Sapp, director of media development, are joining Wilkins on the cause. Like Solomon and Sapp, Wilkins’ greatest strength may be his ability to bring people together around a common goal, like fitness. His crusade has seen him join everyone at M&F, for which he is grateful.
“I want to take time for everyone at Muscle & Fitness to do what they do to help promote fitness in the military community, including collaborating with the Fit to Serve Column, the world’s largest military, law enforcement doer, and civil service column. Promotes the importance of fitness.”
Under Wilkins’ guidance, he hopes to help promote a healthy and active lifestyle for the heroes who protect our freedom, as they serve both their communities and their families as needed and first. Want more than
“With an increasing number of military personnel and family members facing medical challenges due to physical inactivity and poor diet. National Military Fitness and Wellness Month is the perfect time to make fitness a priority,” commented Wilkins.
Beyond that goal, Wilkins believes it could be another way to show his appreciation for all those who have served in the armed forces, as he has for more than a quarter century.
“Freedom isn’t free. The men and women who protect our country are amazing people who do so much without fanfare. They do it because they want to, not to get a pat on the back. It’s actually me. A real career highlight will be meeting such amazing Americans, from all the different backgrounds that make up the fabric of America.”
Follow Rob on Instagram. @rob.wilkins.359 And by searching for “rob Wilkins” on LinkedIn. To learn more about National Military Fitness and Wellness Month, visit Muscle and Fitness YouTube Channel.
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