Future Soldier loses over 100 pounds to join the Army

William K. Little, before and after weight loss

Photo courtesy William K. Little
Story by Shahron L. James
Raleigh Recruiting Battalion
Public Affairs Specialist

William Kyle Little lost over 100 pounds in order to join the U.S. Army.

     Little is a Future Soldier at the Greenville Recruiting Company (3J2).  He recently enlisted in the  12B MOS. His basic training will be at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri where he will also be attending his AIT training.  He has selected the Airborne School option after AIT. William is awaiting his departure date, which is set for September 15. 

     “This is something I always wanted to do, but my weight has been an issue”, he said.  

     William has lost over 100 pounds in 7 months.  He previously weighed 325 pounds.  

     “I lost 40 pounds in the first month.  Over the last 6 months I lost 60 pounds”, he said. 

     He attributes his accomplishment to being fed up with being overweight.  One day he decided to do something about it.  

     “I was afraid to run at first. I was concerned about the weight on my knees, but I knew I would have to push through. I was at work and I said, ‘I’m sick of this’. I started running that same day.  I would run around the parking lot during my lunch break, which also led to a change in my diet", he said. 

     Little said that he was willing to do the work to lose the weight in order to join the Army. He stated that he performed weight lifting, bike riding, and running as his exercise routine. He performed long hours of research in order to ensure success. He spoke about investing in his weight loss.  

     “I paid for a personal trainer so that I could join the Army.  It was worth it”, said Little. 

     He spoke about the support of his parents and girlfriend during his weight loss and subsequent decision to join the Army.  

     “My family provided moral support to lose the weight.  They would say, ‘Keep it up’ or ‘Looking good’. They are actually amazed that I lost the weight”, he said.

     Little said that his girlfriend was a huge support and that his mother and father were always encouraging him, but as the days grow closer to leaving his family seems more apprehensive.  

     “My Dad is proud, but my Mom is worried – worried about my safety. He [my dad] is glad that I met my goal of joining the Army and losing the weight.  They are happy for me”, he said. 

   

     The concern from his mother is not surprising considering that Little’s family are all past or current members of the Air Force.   

     “My Family is military, actually Air Force.  My Dad has 20 years in the Air Force.  My Mom’s father did 20 years, and I have an uncle that is still in” said Little.  

He stated that he chose the Army because the recruiters demonstrated a level of professionalism that won him over.  

“They showed a desire to help me”, he said.