Webinar Highlights Importance of Healthy Minds, Bodies

Webinar Highlights Importance of Healthy Minds, Bodies

Stock photo.
Photo by: Stock photo

An upcoming Association of the U.S. Army webinar will focus on the importance of healthy minds and bodies while serving in the Army.

The webinar, part of AUSA’s Noon Report series, is titled “Strengthening the Army Profession Through Healthy Minds and Bodies.” It will feature retired Maj. Gen. Tom Solhjem, the former Army chief of chaplains, and renowned chef Daniel Thomas.

The webinar begins at noon Eastern on Nov. 13. It is free, but registration is required here.

During the webinar, Solhjem and Thomas will talk about how a proper focus on mental health and spiritual readiness complements and enables physical health and readiness. Thomas also will discuss the importance of healthy eating and how good food is our best medicine.

Solhjem, who retired in August 2023, enlisted in the Army in 1974. He began serving as an Army chaplain in 1988, culminating as the 25th Army chief of chaplains. His 49-year career in the Army included deployments in support of operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Uphold Democracy, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

An acclaimed chef, author and philanthropist, Thomas is a graduate of the world’s premier culinary college, The Culinary Institute of America. A native of Washington, D.C., he has spent much of his career in the area, where his clientele has included residents, tourists, politicians, entertainers, athletes, foreign diplomats and heads of state and even multiple U.S. presidents and their families—including the Kennedys, the Reagans, the Clintons, the Obamas and the Bidens.

Formerly the head chef for the U.S. Senate Executive Dining Room and the head banquet and catering chef for the U.S. Capitol, Thomas is now regional executive chef for the American Diabetes Association.