Fitness center personnel offer five-star service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Air Force's physical training standards recently changed to better prepare Airmen for the physical challenges they face with today's combat missions, and the base fitness center has been there to offer its support along the way.

On March 11, the 19th Force Support Squadron sports and fitness center was presented the Air Force Five-Star Fitness Center Recognition Award for the sixth consecutive year.

According to Staff Sgt. Alecia Dunmire, a 19th FSS front desk supervisor, winning the five-star award was a team effort because the categories they're judged on to earn the award pertain to every aspect of the fitness center.

The categories are operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service.

"Five Stars is as good as you can be. This is not an arbitrary measurement; there are actually no-kidding standards that you have to meet at every level to be Five Star," said Col. George Risse, 19th Mission Support Group commander. "You have to be 90 percent in each category to be considered [for this award]."

During the presentation, Colonel Risse addressed the fitness center personnel and encouraged them to continue striving to be a five-star facility.

"The emphasis on a new physically fit culture within the Air Force is going to make your five-star capability that much more important," said Colonel Risse. "It's very difficult for other organizations to actually measure their level of effort, to say that they've achieved the top level of recognition every year, now their sixth year running."

The fitness center offers a wide variety of programs to military personnel, retirees and their families. Some of their aerobics classes include, water aerobics, Yoga and Pilates, Burn Hour, Zumba, Judo, Ab Attack, Vital 90, Power Circuit, Anything Goes, Silver Steppers, Spin and Pre and Post Natal classes.

For the latest fitness center news, visit www.19fss.com/FitnessCenter.htm.