Man of War, Man of Steel

  • Published
  • By Capt. Hien Q. Vu
  • Space and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Legend has it that Hercules, son of mortal woman Alcmene and Greek god Zeus, was born with the mental courage and physical strength that helped him accomplish the mythically famous twelve labors. His statuesque figure, seen in countless illustrations and storybooks, is ripped with brute muscles and exudes invincibility.

Hercules' physique inspires today's many bodybuilders, who adhere to rigorous training regiments to look like him. A few are even inspired by Hercules' courageous feats of slaying the dragon or capturing the underworld's vicious three-headed dog Cerberus in creating a legacy of their own.

Pacific Air Forces has its version of a modern-day Hercules in Lt. Col. Joseph Yezzi, Chief of Intelligence Analysis and Engagement Division. Born and raised in Pittsburg, Pa., Colonel Yezzi is an avid amateur bodybuilder who has won or placed in the top five in many competitions, honors recognized by his peers and professionals. He also is a warrior in its literal sense, having been battle-tested in combat zones.

A 19-year veteran in the intelligence community, Colonel Yezzi has deployed three times in the last six years in support of Air Force Special Operations Forces and U.S. Special Operations Command in Iraq and Afghanistan. As recent as last year, his team directed all intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities, which consisted of both manned and unmanned aircraft, over Afghanistan for six months. Colonel Yezzi attributed his workout routine to surviving the tough 18-hour day schedule.

"It is virtually impossible to be discretionary about diet in such situations," he mentioned. "However, the military certainly instills a discipline factor which counteracts the negative aspect by reinforcing and practically teaching time management and priorities."

The former Air Force Academy graduate began his weight training when he was still in high school. Collegiate sports and Air Force fitness standards reinforce his passion for bodybuilding. To him, physical training is a way of life.

"Physical fitness is derived from mental toughness and commitment," he said. "It's just a matter of desire and attitude. Conversely, once you become tough physically, you'll become confident in your mind."

Yet his hard work in the gym shows. Competing on and off since 1994, Colonel Yezzi has garnered several top finishes in local amateur bodybuilding shows in Hawaii, Guam and California. He won the 2009 Masters Lightweight Division in the Hawaiian Isles Bodybuilding Championships.

Most recently, Colonel Yezzi's second place in the Lightweight Unlimited Pacific USA Natural competition, held in Anaheim, Calif., on Aug. 15, earned him a two-year qualification to compete at the Team Universe Championships, a national-level bodybuilding competition that potentially qualifies competitors for the professional status in the International Federation of Bodybuilders.

"My goals do not include titles or professional status," he said. "I simply want to achieve my best muscle mass, proportion and health for the long term. I am physically and spiritually into weightlifting. I wish to be an example for my son, younger military members and myself as I get older."