Ellington

Wearing military fatigues and shouting into his megaphone, Harvey Walden IV isn't afraid to push Hollywood celebrities to the limit. As the trainer on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club," Walden uses his 23 years of experience as a Marine to help celebrities get in shape.

On Thursday, Walden, 44, is the guest speaker at the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation's Community Reinvestment Awards, where he will talk about the importance of healthy living. The foundation selected him because of his focus on health, exercise and well being, Jackson Medical Mall Deputy Director Lori Greer says.

Walden, a Chicago native, joined the Marines when he was 17, enlisting in San Diego, Calif. After completing basic training, he became a drill instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, S.C., where he trained platoons for war.

In 2005, Walden became the trainer on "Celebrity Fit Club," applying his dedication to health and wellness and his drill-instructor attitude to the show's slew of celebrities. The show is modeled off of a military boot camp—letting Walden's expertise shine.
In June 2007, Walden retired with the rank of first sergeant.

The Community Reinvestment Awards honor people and organizations that give back to and invest in the Jackson community. The medical mall fosters a holistic approach to health care for the underserved and promotes economic and community development in the Jackson Medical Mall area.  This year's award theme is "sowing the seeds for a brighter future." Thursday's ceremony also includes honorees Dr. Wallace Conerly, Bertha Chapel Missionary Church, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority and American Medical Response.

The Community Reinvestment Awards is at the Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.) Thursday, Nov. 4, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 or $650 for a table of 10. For more information, call 601-982-8467 ex. 12.