On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for many months, a group of dedicated men from PGCC have been living out Christ’s command to love and care for others. Nicknamed “Bob’s Bod Squad,” or the “Bone Benders,” they have been helping Bob Ekdahl with physical strengthening workouts as he recovers from a massive stroke. The volunteers were recruited, organized and scheduled by Pete Lamarche and have been coached by Bob’s physical therapists.

Marv Buller’s and Bob’s smiles belie the hard work involved in taking a walk.

Bob’s physical therapist shows Pete Lamarche leg strengthening techniques.

Bob says, “The social interaction is nearly as important as the physical workout. And starting each session with prayer makes it very special.”

The “Bod Squad” is made up of Marv Buller, Irv Dahlin, Bob Fricke, Pete Lamarche, Jim Musgrave, and Nick Pauls. The Ekdahls are very grateful for the help received from the “Squad” and recently hosted them and their spouses at a luncheon.

Thanks to a positive attitude and hard work, Bob is making good progress. “I keep wondering what Olympic event my squad is preparing me for,” he says, “body painting?”

It’s not arm wrestling. Nick Pauls performs the “pretzel regimen.”

December 2001

Say Hello to . . . “The Bod Squad”