Airman punching, kicking his way to the top Published March 23, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. -- For many Airmen at McGuire, the work day is over when they get into their cars and start the drive home. For others, the day may be over when they've completed their workout at the fitness center. For one McGuire Airman, pursuit of a dream means the work never stops. "I train five-to-six days a week. In that same week, I try to run three-to-four miles for three days, go to two-to-three mixed martial arts classes, and get in three days of plyrometrics and sprints, along with one day of power lifting, and whatever else I feel up to," said Staff Sgt. Lewis Pascavage III, 305th Maintenance Group. Mixed martial arts is a sport where two competitors attempt to achieve supremacy over one another by utilizing three general tactics: striking, finishing holds and control. The rules allow the fighters to use a variety of martial arts styles and techniques, including kicks, punches, joint-locks, chokes, takedowns and throws. Sergeant Pascavage, who works in the 305th MXG Quality Assurance Flight, is training to achieve his dream: fighting in either the Ultimate Fighting Championship or PRIDE Fighting Championship. His dream doesn't stop with making an appearance: he wants to win. Sergeant Pascavage's dream began as a child. "My dad and uncles taught me boxing and martial arts," he said. From those beginnings, he continued to work hard and began training seriously in a number of martial arts styles. "I have been studying martial arts most of my life," said Sergeant Pascavage. "I am now working on my second degree brown belt in Jujitsu, Sambo and Judo. Currently, I have been training with Miletich Fighting System School in Atlantic City, where we study all forms of grappling, boxing, Maui Tai kickboxing and mixed martial arts fighting." He has also trained with professionals Pat Miletich in December and Rodrigo Gracie in January. So far, all the training has paid off. "I won my first fight in November at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City," he said. "The event was Reality Fighting 14 Fall Brawl. I had a 1st round TKO (technical knockout) of Ed Medeiros 1:05." That first win is just the starting point. Sergeant Pascavage hopes to be fighting in April, and has a bout scheduled for May 19. "Seeing me win my first fight has inspired numerous friends to become fighters or at least try," he added. "They are finding out the hard way how much you train and sacrifice to do this, to be a dominate fighter. Plus, more people are eager to watch me fight now then before because of my win." Like all the Airmen in today's Air Force, Sergeant Pascavage is ready to deploy when the time comes, even if he has to put his dream on hold. In fact, he actually sees some benefits to his training regimen. "Since I have been a pro fighter, I have not deployed yet, but I see it being easier," he said. "I would have fewer distractions and would have more time to work out and keep my mind from missing my family so much." Sergeant Pascavage lists his family, a big heart, the desire to win and people Like Ed McKeever (friend, manager, and Trainer) believing in him as the forces driving him to become a better fighter. However, he never forgets that he's an Airman first, serving in the world's greatest Air Force. "It inspires me more. When I fight I also represent the Air Force. There are not too many Pro MMA fighters in the Air Force," he added. "Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do."