Christie to National Guard Leader: Lose Some Weight

Governor's order comes in wake of Pentagon reprimand
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 22, 2015 8:41 AM CDT
Christie to National Guard Leader: Lose Some Weight
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff review troops in this 2014 file photo.   (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Gov. Chris Christie is demanding that the leader of New Jersey's National Guard lose some weight. The governor has given Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff 90 days to slim down and meet his obligations. The action comes after the Pentagon reprimanded Cunniff about his weight and for repeatedly dodging physical-fitness tests, something Christie's staff said the governor was unaware of until the Washington Post asked about it. The Post notes that Christie's own weight-loss surgery in 2013 makes the issue "especially delicate" in New Jersey.

"Many people struggle with weight control—I am not immune from this," Cunniff said in a statement. "However, I do recognize that military members and leaders, like myself, are held to a higher standard. I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to remedy this issue," the general said. It was not clear how much weight the general must lose. (More Chris Christie stories.)

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