President John F. Kennedy always expressed concern about the health and well-being of Americans young and old. Throughout his campaign and even during his days in the United States Senate, Kennedy spoke about concerns he had that Americans were getting “soft.”
In December 1960, then President-Elect Kennedy took that concern straight to the American people in an article for Sports Illustrated titled “The Soft American” and communicated the importance of being physically capable beyond the individual
Kennedy wrote, “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”
That message resonated across the country and remains just as vital today. However, the modern definition of wellness has expanded. In the 21st century, leaders have increasingly recognized that physical capability must be paired with mental well-being. President George W. Bush championed this shift when establishing the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in 2002:
“Mental disability is not a scandal; it is an illness,” Bush said. “And like physical illness, it is treatable, especially when the treatment comes early… Political leaders, health care professionals, and all Americans must understand and send this message.”
August is National Wellness Month and in order to achieve optimal wellness, both the physical and mental components should be emphasized. Dividing the attention of each to make a combined 100 percent does not serve anyone as well as devoting one’s complete best to both. For five years now, M&F and Fit to Serve have sought guidance from military and government leaders on how they have optimized their wellness for Americans to apply and benefit from those lessons
How Physical and Mental Health Coincide
Focusing on both physical and mental health can seem like a tall task, but the good news is that one can be used to support the other, and vice versa. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Aaron Lin spoke of his struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during his career. After entering an outpatient program, Lin learned about the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) program. AFW2 gave Lin opportunities to compete in sports and be a part of a community. The physical challenges from competition and pursuing the goal of winning gold served him as much mentally as they did physically.
“Sports and fitness elevated my recovery to a place where I never thought possible. When you’re on a team trying to win gold, it’s a really great feeling.”
That formula works just as well in reverse. When M&F spoke to Give an Hour CEO Trina Clayeux, she shared that once veterans understood that taking care of themselves was actually a form of responsibility that could benefit the community around them, it helped give several veterans incentive to pay attention to their physical health. She noted that could apply to everyone, whether they are veterans, active-duty, or civilians
“I have seen it in my life, and others will as well, the practice of it is so important because of the compound effect.”
Simple Physical and Mental Health Tips to Move Forward
Getting started on an overall wellness journey can be overwhelming when thinking about both physical and mental health, but starting simple and slow is a great way to build momentum that carries new or renewed fitness enthusiasts forward
- Pursue a Physical Goal – Veterans could find their branch’s fitness test and see how they could do today, then set goals to improve on those results. Future service members can start testing themselves now before they begin their careers wearing the nation’s uniform as well. Parents of young children who want to see their kids thrive physically can start with the Presidential Fitness Test that was re-established by President Donald Trump in July 2025.
- Eat for Recovery and Spirit – Nutrition is another component of overall fitness, and the Army has renewed its commitment to fueling soldiers with the highest-quality food possible. Lieutenant General Chris Mohan and Chef Robert Irvine have led teams that have been transforming the way soldiers eat by launching new locations such as 42 Bistro in Fort Hood, Texas and bringing in food from trusted sources.
Mohan and Irvine held the belief that if nutrition was an experience that soldiers could benefit from, it helped on multiple fronts. All American families or groups can follow their lead and build their own camaraderie that can extend beyond the dinner table
As Mohan shared, “When you can eat, break bread together and do meals together, it helps build the team.”
Be a Part of Something Beyond Yourself Now – Many military members found that contributing to a cause like serving their country was a privilege, a motivator to keep getting better, and a pillar to support mental health. As the fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) Ramón Colón-López told M&F, committing to the greater good can begin at any time. Teenagers and even children can make a difference when given the opportunity. The word “service” does not only apply to the military, it can be any form of community contribution.
“Service is a choice that younger people can make that can make them feel a part of something bigger than themselves,” said “CZ.” “The more you get the concept of it being not about you but the mission and team in your head, the more successful you are going to be.”
An Imperative of National Importance
Throughout the decades, the significance of being healthier has been championed by America’s leaders. August may be National Wellness Month, but the importance of wellness applies year-round. The daily commitment to being better does more than serve the person making the commitment, it also becomes its own contribution to the health and vitality of the nation. By taking ownership of our personal well-being, honoring our bodies, and standing strong for our families and communities, we ensure that Americans remain enduring, resilient, and stand ready for whatever the future holds.
M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article
