Dyess Fitness Center receives five-star rating

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Force Support Squadron recently earned five-star status for the fifth time in five years for its fitness programs here.

The award, which is given by the Air Force Services Agency, provides annual recognition and acknowledgement for bases that have reached the highest standard of achievement in all aspects of program management. The program recognizes excellence in the five areas of operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service.

"This award is very difficult to achieve," said Master Sgt. L.J. Kincade, 7th FSS Fitness Center director. "We are one of a very few bases that have earned the rating five years straight."

The 16-person staff must constantly ensure they comply with prerequisties and line items on a six-page checklist within each area of operations year round before becoming eligible for a star rating, said Sergeant Kincade. 

The 84,000 square foot facility features an Olympic-style swimming pool, sauna, child play area, a cardio room with 51 pieces of equipment, 18 TVs and CD players, an aerobics room, four racquetball courts, a free weight room, a rubberized running track and two full-length basketball courts. 

On a scale of one to five, Dyess came in ahead of 14 other bases in overall assessments and customer service. 

"We offer more services than most bases and our people care," he said. "Plus, we've got incredible support from wing leadership."

Support from leadership also makes it possible for fitness center officials to maintain the current fitness equipment and replace older pieces, he said.

The fitness center staff has also used some innovative thinking to get the best possible use out of its facilities and keep it operating at the five-star status, Sergeant Kincade said.

"(The award) goes to show the great level of effort that the entire fitness center team displays day in and day out," Sergeant Kincade said. "It means a lot to be No. 1 in ACC. It says we're the best. It's a sense of pride. It's a great reflection of team work."

In 1998, AFSA realized the need for a formal fitness recognition program. As a result of combined efforts from base, major command and agency personnel, the Five Star Fitness Center Recognition Program was established in 2002.

Other Air Combat Command bases awarded Five Star Fitness Center status for 2008 were Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Ellsworth AFB, S.D., Holloman AFB, N.M, Minot AFB, N.D., Moody AFB, Ga., Mount Home AFB, Idaho, and Nellis AFB, Nev.