Christie To National Guard Leader: Lose Some Weight

By ERIC.KIEFER (Patch Staff)

Slim down or there’s going to be consequences.

This was Governor Chris Christie’s recent message to the leader of the New Jersey National Guard, Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff.

“The Governor has expressed directly to the General that his failure to meet that standard or to provide notification of his formal reprimand is both unacceptable and disappointing,” Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts said in an emailed statement.

Christie has given Cunniff 90 days to lose weight, Roberts stated.

The governor’s reprimand comes after a Washington Post report alleged that Cunniff was “secretly reprimanded by the Pentagon last year for his excessive waistline and for repeatedly ducking physical-fitness tests.”

“I do recognize that military members and leaders, like myself, are held to a higher standard,” Cunniff wrote to the Post. “I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to remedy this issue.”

Christie, an Essex County native, underwent stomach-shrinking Lap-Band surgery in 2013.

• See related article: Christie Underwent Weight Loss Surgery

“I don’t care to be a role model for anyone, Christie told reporters after the surgical procedure was complete. “This is an intensely personal issue.”

• See related article: Christie: Weight Loss Surgery ‘Intensely Personal Issue’