Nellis fitness center reaches five-star rating for second year in a row Published March 7, 2007 By Senior Airman Travis Edwards Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE Nev. -- For the second year in a row, the Nellis Sports and Fitness Center received a five-star rating for their services in 2006. Nellis' center was one of 30 fitness centers in the Air Force to attain the coveted five-star rating. "I'm not surprised; of the three bases I have been to, Nellis has the best (fitness center)," said Staff Sgt. Ramone Hayes, a regular at the center. "Nellis just has more options and better equipment." Five years ago the Air Force developed a new standard of excellence for Air Force fitness centers, called the Five-Star Fitness Center Recognition Program, which is essentially a report card for fitness centers. The five-star program provides annual recognition, acknowledging those bases that have reached the highest standard of achievement in all aspects of program management. Five categories determine if a fitness center receives a five-star rating: operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service. "To receive a five-star rating, you have to score a 90 percent or better in each category, and we've done it for two years straight," said Kevin Hodsdon, Nellis athletic director. "We were able to accomplish this rating through our outstanding staff and support we get from our clients and commanders." The actual award was presented to members of the fitness center staff during a conference in November in Las Vegas, which honored all five-star fitness centers in the Air Force. "I love working here," said Angela Skelly, a recreation specialist for the center. "The Air Force has provided a great facility coupled with an impressive variety of equipment and activities, so it's no wonder it received the highest rating possible." "And we're on the right track to do it again this year," Mr. Hodsdon added. The fitness center has scheduled a Women's History Month 5 kilometer run for March 16 at 7 a.m. It is a fun run, so anyone can participate and there is no need to register.
