Illinois Army National Guard Soldier excels in Strongman Competition

Story by Spc. Kyle Hessenauer, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/10/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan of Bloomington, Illinois, recruiter for the Illinois Army National Guard, placed third in the North American Strongman (NAS) National Competition in Reno, Nevada, Oct. 4 and 5.

NAS is the premier amateur strongman corporation in the world. This event attracted more than 200 men and women to prove their strength against each other within their own weight class. Challenges ranged from lifting cars to throwing kegs.

"I have known Brestan for three years," said 1st Sgt. Holly Donald of Peoria, Illinois, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

"When she first joined, she struggled to pass the Army fitness test. She decided to become fit and better as a recruiter. She wanted to be a better role model for future recruits."

Brestan is the epitome of the noncommissioned officer creed. She lives the Army values and is the whole Soldier concept, said Donald.

"I train five to six days a week for a few hours a day," said Brestan." I started training for this competition three months ago and I have five months to train for the Arnold World championship in March. I had to drop 27 pounds for this competition, learn how to dead lift a car, carry a 1,150 pound wheel barrow, lift kegs over a bar and press one over my head."

Brestan maintains her fit and healthy lifestyle for competitions, but also maintains Army standards.

"I stay active for my health and to inspire my Soldiers," said Brestan. "I have a few Soldiers that have trained with me. I also have applicants I am currently training for weight loss and then they should be joining the Illinois Army National Guard."

Comparing the competitive strongman lifestyle and being an Army recruiter has many similarities.

"I live a very structured life now, food measured out and my workouts are all very structured," said Brestan. "I think that it all goes hand-in-hand, the structure I need in training and in recruiting. I plan everything so well now. Time management has never been more important."

Placing third in the NAS competition, Brestan is just shy of obtaining the title of the World's Strongest Woman.

"I don't think it has even set in that I am the third strongest in the nation," said Brestan "I'm still in shock."

Brestan said she plans to attend the Arnold World Championship in Columbus, Ohio, but will attend local charity shows until then to maintain her competitive shape.

Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan of Bloomington, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter, performs the Yoke carry during the North American Strongman Nationals, in Reno, Nevada Oct 4, where she placed third. She carried the 500 pounds for 60 feet in 12 seconds. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan)

Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan of Bloomington, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter, stands with another competitor, Joe Trinka, after placing third at the North American Strongman Nationals, in Reno, Nevada Oct 5. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan)

(Right) Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan of Bloomington, Illinois, an Illinois Army National Guard recruiter, stands with friend Staff Sgt. Bobbie Jean LeDuc of Oswego, Illinois, 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute. (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Kellye Brestan)