Application for Fitness & Recreation Specialist I Ref # 17427 September 12th, 2013 USAA Director of Personnel 9800

Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, TX 78288 Dear Sir or Maam: I am applying for your Fitness & Recreation Specialist I position and I believe that my education, experience, and enthusiasm for this career field will make me a great fit for this position with USAA. Completion of my Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness will be at the end of November. This degree has given me a great base for the areas that USAA is looking for such as designing various health programs, individual and group instruction, communication and customer service, and knowledge of various fitness models. I am currently enrolled to take CPR/AED/First Aid on September 28th, 2013. I have also begun studying for the ACSM certification exam and will be prepared to take the exam in the next several months. As a current member of the US Army since 1995 I have gained invaluable experience in fitness and recreation skills in both individual training and group training programs; planning, organizing, and executing these programs to subordinates, peers, and superiors. Reaching the grade of Sergeant First Class I have also gained pertinent skills and values such as leadership, accountability, integrity, and respect just to name a few. I will be relocating to the San Antonio area very soon and as a military member I cannot think of a better company to start my new career in than one with such a stellar profile and reputation as USAA. Enclosed is a copy of my resume with additional information about my qualifications. I believe that I can be a valuable employee for USAA and I thank you very much for your consideration. Respectfully, Forest A. Ballinger 71 S. Darlita Drive Rineyville, KY 40162 (270) 401-5862 fabkab1@yahoo.com

Forest A. Ballinger 71 S. Darlita Drive Rineyville, KY 40162 (270) 401-5862 fabkab1@yahoo.com

PROFILE My career goal is to become successful in the world of Health and Fitness. The first objective towards achieving that goal would be the position of Fitness & Recreation Specialist I at USAA. My education in Health and Wellness and my broad range of experience throughout my long military career will help me become a vital part of the continued success of USAA. SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Proficient in physical fitness program development and management to include individual fitness goals and group fitness instruction. Multiple years of risk management planning and safety classes regarding the usage of fitness equipment and during exercise instruction. Provided nutrition counseling and guidance to assist those in meeting their healthy weight and medical goals. Strong fitness background with increased level of knowledge related to Health and Wellness. Lead logistics officer in charge of coordinating supplies and equipment. Extensive customer service skills related to the recruitment and retention of soldiers. Recreational youth soccer league coach for community soccer program.

EXPERIENCE 4th BN ARCD, Fort Knox Kentucky (06/01/2011 Present) Army Reserve Career Counselor/Physical Fitness Instructor Provides guidance and career counseling to soldiers of the Army Reserve; recruitment of eligible soldiers for transfer into the Army Reserve meeting quarterly and yearly quotas; provides customer service by addressing the needs of soldiers and their families; prepares physical readiness training and program management to members of the unit; provides counseling to unit members regarding weight loss and medical concerns.

USAR Drill Sergeant School, Fort Knox Kentucky (10/01/2005 05/31/2011) Senior Logistics Non-Commissioned Officer Handled all forms of logistics for the unit including ordering, inventory, and turns-in of organization and installation supplies and equipment with 0 loses; maintains automated supply system for accounting of organizational and installation supplies and equipment; inspects completed work for accuracy and compliance with established procedures; as a member of school cadre assisted in all forms of student training including Army Physical Fitness.

III Corps, U.S. Army, Fort Hood Texas (10/02/2002 - 09/30/2005) - Assistant Human Resources NCOIC Organized, developed, and managed physical fitness program for a platoon sized element of 25 personnel while deployed to Iraq; raised and maintained overall Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) scores of entire platoon; personally achieved a maximum score of 300+ on the APFT.

EDUCATION Kaplan University- Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness April 2012-present (projected degree completion date of November 2013)

University of Phoenix, Axia College-Associates Degree of Arts (General Studies) June 2010-April 2012 Army Education Includes: Combat Lifesaver Course, Trainer/Mentor Course, Career Counselor Course, Supply Specialist Course, Warrior Leader Course, and Advanced Leader Course

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS Over a dozen military awards and ribbons including the Joint Service Achievement Medal for meritorious achievement while working as a Personal Security Detail (PSD) NCO for Multi-National Force Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from January 2004 to January 2005 Army Physical Fitness Badge awarded in 2004 Combat Lifesaver Certification Enrolled in First Aid, CPR/AED (September 28th, 2013) Preparing for ACSM certification (Projected test date in November 2013)