Sweat, Struggle, Survival: How Kristen Domke Used Fitness to Take Back Her Life
Like so many of those who’ve served our nation, Kristen Domke’s belief is that service extends beyond the uniform. As an active Eagle Ambassador and Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force she continuously drives the narrative that our physical fitness correlates with our mental health; and that has led to some of her most profound moments of healing.
Kristen spoke candidly about that metamorphosis in her life, “Training has been everything for my physical and mental health. I call it training, not just working out, because for me, it’s about so much more than just exercise.
Movement is medicine. I came into the military without even knowing how to run or do a push-up. Now, I love my body. I’ve competed in a bikini competition, played team sports, and joined the Air Force rugby community.”
Although the path has become clearer for Domke, there were many obstacles along the way. “The Air Force gave me a purpose. Before joining, I was basically failing out of college, and I knew I needed a big change. Initially, I joined because I thought the uniforms looked cool. But since then, it has evolved into something much more.
Even though I’d found purpose, I still didn’t know how to cope or care for myself in a healthy way. In 2015, I attempted suicide while stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Thankfully, I had a team leader I trusted and was able to confide in her.
I went to mental health services, where I was able to go through therapy and work through a lot of my PTSD. I got help through EMDR, which is a type of therapy that assists with PTSD. Going through that process and continuing to move forward, I learned how to stay consistent with my mental health care and began figuring out what I truly enjoy.
Through that process, I discovered who I was and found a community I never would have outside the Air Force. Solidifying my faith in God has been like finding the missing puzzle piece I had always been searching for but never had—until now.”
The sense of camaraderie Kristen felt when joining the Air Force gave her something she’d long been searching for, but her healing journey still took time.
“Later, I found solidarity with Team RWB because their mission is everything I want to embody—a movement focused on wellness, holistic fitness, and community. Inspired by that, I decided to enter the Mr. and Ms. Military Pageant, representing Team RWB as an Eagle Ambassador. I want to spread the word about this amazing community to others, whether through Instagram or personal connections.
Winning the pageant would mean everything. I’ve always fought that voice telling me I’m not good enough, but I battle it every single day. I have to remind myself that I am enough. Even if I don’t win, I’m still good enough.
But let’s be clear—I’m going to win. I’m going to be Ms. Military 2025.”
Domke’s belief is clear, and her enthusiasm for helping others has served as the North Star she looks to in navigating the often-rough waters of life.
“I want to show people they’re not alone. They can do this. If I can connect with someone, even in a small way, that’s my goal. Making any positive change in someone’s life—no matter how small—would mean the world to me. I’ve come out on the other side, and I love my life—every second of it.
Living in the moment has become essential to me because we never know how much time we have left. Dealing with today’s struggles isn’t easy, but it’s better because I have the toolkit to cope—mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
