Vance Fitness Center receives four stars

  • Published
  • By Danielle Lutes
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Vance AFB Fitness Center received a four-star rating validation from the Air Force Services Agency, narrowly missing a five-star rating. This is the first four-star or five-star rating the Fitness Center has received since the Air Force changed the scoring system in 2005.

Brian Mittelstet, the Fitness Center manager, said, "Receiving the Air Force four-star validation rating for the Vance Fitness and Sports Center is a great honor for team Vance. Credit for this award goes to my staff for their hard work and dedication, and to the continuous support we receive from base leadership, Computer Science Corporation, and our customers."

The Air Force 5-Star Recognition Program is an assessment determining superior achievement in Services programs such as fitness centers. It is comprised of five categories: operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service. In order to get a star, the Fitness Center must pass each prerequisite for the category and score at least a 90 percent.

Although the Fitness Center scored at least 90 percent in all five categories, it did not meet one of the prerequisites in the facilities category. Because the Fitness Center does not have space for a second set of selectorized weight equipment, it only got 11 out of 12 prerequisite points.

Terry Prudhomme, the Force Sustainment Specialist for AETC visited Vance July 16 and 17 to validate the four-star rating.

Mr. Prudhomme was very impressed with the Vance Fitness Center, calling the staff the "most educated fitness staff in AETC with impeccable documentation and the best equipment maintenance program."

Overall, Mr. Prudhomme said the Fitness Center has "phenomenal staff and programs."

"We received a four-star rating in 2003 and a five-star rating in 2004," said Mr. Mittelstet. "The Air Force then revised the scoring system in 2005 by adding the prerequisites and different point totals. From then on, we were unable to garner enough points for a four or five-star rating. This year, we were able to obtain several certifications and complete various training requirements progressing us into the four-star level."

Only five-star and four-star programs are officially recognized at the World Wide Air Force Fitness and Athletic Business Conference. This year the conference will be held in Orlando, Fla., in early December.