Homestead has best fitness, food programs in command

482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2014 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- The 482nd Force Support Squadron was selected as Air Force Reserve Command's best fitness and food programs of the year.

As the Fitness and Sports Program of the Year, the Sam Johnson Fitness Center received a $4.5 million renovation and was previously awarded the Air Force Reserve Command's Fitness Center of the Year from 2010-2013.

Renovations to the 5-star fitness center included a 1,200 square-foot expansion, and visitors can now enjoy a wider range of amenities. The center also features spa-like amenities such as steam rooms, a masseuse, and a lounge area.

The facility is equipped with yoga and Pilates gear, two racket ball courts, a basketball court, a weight room with traditional free weights, and a cardio workout room.

Offering enhanced fitness programs, the fitness center supported 11 classes attended by more than 300 members of Team Homestead. Additionally, the staff worked to expand the intramural/extramural sports program to include more than 40 teams.

The FSS staff put together a first-ever Miami Marlins verses Team Homestead softball game during the Airman Appreciation Day events held Feb. 13. An all-star basketball game with University of Miami and announcer Don Jackson was also a highlight for the award-winning fitness center.

AFRC Food Operations Program of the Year

As the best Food Operations Program of the Year for AFRC, members of the 482nd FSS worked to support Team Homestead through events, luncheons and expanded service at the Blazin' Beans coffee shop.

Taking just five days to transition from their old facility, the staff opened the new $8 million Community Activity Center, troop feeding facility and lounge. Through extraordinary efforts, the staff supported more than 100 events attended by more than 8,000 people.

Expanded food services offered at the Blazin' Beans Coffee Shop increased their revenue by $42,300 and the staff supported $93,000 in catering services.

The staff developed a winning chili recipe, being crowned champs of the 2014 City of Homestead Chili Cook-Off Competition.

Increasing their revenue by 4.4 percent, the squadron outpaced AFRC's goal of 2.6 percent.

The award winning programs will go on to compete at the next level, and will continue to provide Team Homestead with extraordinary service.