Keesler Fitness Center earns second Five-Star award Published July 29, 2009 By Angela Cutrer 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler is in good shape, according to a program that knows who's been naughty and who's been on the treadmill. July 15, BENE-FIT Fitness and Recreation received news that Keesler's three fitness centers received a five-star acknowledgment as part of the Air Force 5-Star Fitness Recognition Program. The award is presented at the Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, Fla., later this year. An annual recognition of superior achievement for fitness centers, the comprehensive program recognizes excellent in five areas: operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service. "The 5-Star Fitness Award represents excellent in fitness in several different areas by using 100 different criteria," said Bill Jinske, president of BENE-FIT, CSC fitness subcontractor. Each criterion is scored, and Keesler ended up with a 93. "We lost points because Blake (Fitness Center) is a bit crowded with equipment right now," Jinske said of the base's busiest facility. When BENE-FIT took over last fall, base officials estimated the facilities would serve around 17,500 people a month, but Jinske noted, "I'm sure it's much higher than that now." Last year was the first time Keesler's Blake, Dragon and Triangle fitness facilities earned the 5-Star recognition. "We provide the community center dances for Air Force students primarily, as well as pool tournaments, movie nights and the Mardi Gras celebration," said Jinske. "We're offering numerous classes, special events such as 5-K runs and Monster Circuit at Halloween, and outdoor events such as racquetball and incentive programs. We also offer equipment training, fitness testing and personal training." BENE-FIT, which employs around 35 at Keesler, is also responsible for the intramural and varsity sports on base and sponsors participants in marathons and tournaments.