"In October of  2006, Designs For Fitness, L.L.C.  was contracted to provide consultation on choosing the appropriate fitness equipment and to design and implement health risk assessments, fitness testing, health profiles, exercise and nutrition programs, train the trainer instruction and health, fitness and nutrition education for the entire Longview Fire Department.

Patricia and John are knowledgeable in all aspects of company and individual wellness, and are very dedicated and passionate about their field.  They are capable of delivering the highest standards in professional services involving a wellness program.

I am happy to report our first year results have far exceeded our expectation and I would recommend Designs For Fitness, L.L.C. to any organization."  August 2007

Sincererly,

Kenny Southwell

Assistant Chief, Longview Fire Department

"Patricia's professionalism, knowledge of fitness and wellness, enthusiasm, and personality leaves a lasting impression on you-------to make that extra effort to improve yourself for you and your health.  You are in for a fun and exciting program..."  20 January 2006

Mr. James Dich, GS 09, Fitness Center Director Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, Louisiana

"Thank you for your continued interest in the Texas National Guard.  I sincerely appreciate your dedication and commitment to improving the overall well-being of our next generation of leaders." 18 May 2004

Wayne D. Marty, Lieutenant General (TX), TXARNG Adjutant General

"Your contributions to the Nation as a former member of the US Navy are much appreciated, as are your current efforts as a fitness consultant at Barksdale Air Force Base."   29 April 2004

General Richard B. Myers, Former United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"Your dedicated effort to create such a comprehensive youth fitness program is very commendable.  I truly appreciate your continued support for America's youth and for our Armed Forces."  14 April 2004

General Peter Pace, USMC, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, (Became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff after this recommendation)

"It is my honored pleasure to write this recommendation and appreciation letter for Mrs. Patricia Binkley-Childress.  Patricia's challenging and motivational classes directly aided our division to pass the Air Force Fitness Assessment with a success rate of 100%.  Her personal attention and dedication to each person in our division before, during and after each class inspired many of us to give our maximum effort at getting fit.  Additionally, her shared knowledge and experience as a fitness consultant gave each of us the knowledge to properly increase our fitness in a healthy and fun manner.  We would be wanting without her!  From my twenty years of working with fitness experts and coaches, she in one of the best!  I highly recommend Patricia to any person, novice or expert, in need of a fitness consultant, leader, motivator or teacher.  She is phenomenal!" 15 September 2004

Marcus A. Boyd, 8 AF/OV Lt Col USAF (now assigned to the Pentagon)

"Patricia motivates us to perform at a peaked level, but it's easy to do in her class because of her professionalism and enthusiasm.  Her energy, work ethic, and passion for what she does should be used as an inspiration to all of us, no matter what our jobs entail.  We should all be so passionate about our work.  We greatly appreciate the time Patricia has volunteered to work with our office.  She has definitely been a joy and pleasure to work with."   September 2004

Major Roderick A. Haley, USAF 8 AF Standards & Evaluations Div.

"Not enough can be said to describe the professionalism and fitness expertise demonstrated daily by Fitness Consultant Patricia Binkley-Childress.  She is an asset to any organization and has been eager to share her talents whenever able.

Patricia has volunteered countless hours instructing tailored classes for our office.  This has provided variety in our workouts and has increased my motivation towards fitness.  I would strongly recommend her for any fitness organziation."  September 2004

Major Michael S. Jansen, USAF 8 AF Stan/Eval

"I would like to personally recognize Fitness Consultant Patricia Binkley-Childress as an outstanding fitness motivator and highly professional instructor.  Patricia exudes enjoyment in her profession and that passion has found its way into the spirit of the men and women she leads in our Air Force."  September 2004

Captain Sean Coveney, USAF 8 AF Stan/Eval (Capt. Coveney has been promoted to Major)

"The thing that makes Patricia unique is her ability to both instruct and inspire.  Her instruction is an advanced lesson in cardio-fitness, anatomy, physiology and psychological awareness.  She encourages you to realize the only limits you have are the limits you placed on yourself.  She truly believes in what she does and more importantly, she believes in every person she instructs."  17 June 2004

Stephanie D. Froehlich

"I can honestly say, without any hesitation, that Patricia is a knowledgeable, dedicated, effective and motivated leader who loves her profession.  She has kept this senior citizen going and coming back for more!  From my point of view, that says alot!"  September 2004

Herb

"Thank you for teaching me how to be fit, when I said I would never be able to do it.  I'm gonna miss you."  September 2004

Luv, Lil  "your oldest class member"

"Patricia is a knowledgeable, patient, but very intense instructor.  We feel that she has been a true testament in our quest of great fitness and she really seems to enjoy making us feel better about ourselves."  September 2004

Jill and Wendy

"I thank you for your outstanding service to the men and women of the Mighty Deuce.  Thanks to your sacrifice and dedication, our Airmen are truly fit to fight.  In fact, thanks in part to your efforts, I'm proud to note that 68% of Barksdale Airmen rank in the excellent or good fitness category compared to only 59% across the Air Force as a whole.  Thank you for your efforts to improve the fitness level of the Barksdale community.  You clearly demonstrated you are definitely more than 'just an instructor'."  28 October 2004

Colonel Michael R. Moeller, USAF Commander Barksdale Air Force Base (Colonel Moeller has since been reassigned)

"Patricia, you've taught me, encouraged me and transformed my body and soul.  What would I do without you?" June 2007

I love you,

Gailyn Sutton, Masters Figure Competitor

"Patricia, it has meant a great deal to have you walking me through the steps and achieveing what I only thought I could do.  You've inspired me to do and be more than I dreamed.  I hope to continue the journey with you." June 2007

Sincerely,

Tonya Parsons, Tall Figure Competitor (placed #1 in her first figure competition)

"John and Patricia, thanks for all your help...couldn't have done it without you." June 2007

Love you guys,

Arlene Wharton, Pro Figure Competitor

"Patricia and John, I appreciate you both and all you have done to guide me towards the fundamentals of training for a competition." September 2006

Thanks,

Cassie Speer, Figure Competitor and Trainer

"John's greatest strength,  however, was his ability to connect with the members.  He was always present on the gym floor talking with members, offering training tips, and seeking feedback on how the gym could be made better.  When feasible, he always carried through to see that the desires of the members were met.  John has become known as "Mr. Elite" and his service to Elite Gym & Fitness is immeasurable."  Jan. 23, 2006

Tommy D. Kirl, Owner, Elite Gym & Fitness

"When I joined the gym, John was very helpful and patient.  He showed me how to use all of the machines and cardio equipment.  He always stops and asks how I'm doing and if I need any help.  He always makes me feel welcome and a part of the gym family."   Jan.23, 2006.

Ed Ramsey

Throughout John's 40+ career he was given hundreds of glowing reviews for his performance as a leader, motivator, educator and bottom-line performer.  His reviews were always the highest in the industry and his performance was recognized by superiors, as well as, subordinates.  He was liked by everyone and respected as a leader who led by example.  The following is but one of the comments made by a superior who had the pleasure of working with John.

"You are seen as the leader who has the answer and takes the time to coach others.  You are a great partner.  I can count on you to be the first to drive change and carry the flag for your peers.  You demonstrate managerial courage and understand which battles to go after.  Your experience running a business sets you apart from your peers.  Your insight allows you to be a better planner and strategist.  This puts you ahead of everyone else. 

John, I am fortunate to have someone with your integrity, skill and experience on my team.  Your contributions to the organization are immeasureable."  Jan. 28, 2002

Lee Moore, District Manager, Mervyns