Photo By Master Sgt. Christopher Marasky | Lt. Col. Michael Burns, 407th Air Expeditionary Group vice commander, competes in a...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh
407th AEG Public Affairs
When Airmen first arrive to their deployed locations, many may not know the activities offered outside of work. One squadron works hard at offering Airmen activities they would find at their home stations and local communities.
Divided into two major sections, the 407th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron is responsible for keeping Airmen entertained and stress free by providing activities such as local and U.S.- sponsored sporting events and recreational activities here.
On the fitness side of the squadron, the Muscle Beach Fitness Center offers basic aerobics classes and intramural sports competitions such as basketball, dodge ball and volleyball tournaments throughout the month. Sometimes they host competitions against the Army and the Romanians.
Staff Sgt. Tommey Fushi, 407th EFSS Muscle Beach non-commissioned officer in charge, said the fitness center receives a lot of feedback from players and fans during the intramural tournaments. He also said they show good sportsmanship during each event. However, the fitness center staff's main concern was practicing safety first. For those not interested in intramural sports, Muscle Beach offers different clubs people can join such as the run, walk, bicycle and bench press clubs in addition to the aerobics classes. People can sign up for the clubs at the front desk.
"Most of our classes are run by volunteer instructors," Sgt. Fushi said. "To keep the classes running, we ask the instructors to teach a student in the class just to keep the classes going. If people don't want to participate in a live class they can use the fitness center's personal video workouts."
The new video workout program offers aerobic enthusiasts a choice between abdominals, yoga and P90X exercise routines.
On the recreational side, the Hotspot offers games and activities such as billiards, ping pong, darts and foosball, as well as various gaming tournaments throughout the month. Airmen can compete in electronic gaming, ping pong and pool tournaments. In addition, they host bingo and Texas Hold'em competitions held in the Big Top where they can win AAFES gift certificates. Maj. James Beaty, EFFS commander, said the squadron usually gives out an average of $6,000 in AAFES gift certificates every month to the winners of these tournaments.
"We also offer free wireless internet along with a computer center," said Staff Sgt. Ken Fincham, 407th EFSS Hot Spot NCOIC. "We have a game room, and a theater that shows AAFES first-run movies; along with a phone room for morale calls. We also have movie library where people can check out DVDs free, and we sell refreshments."
To say thank you for their service, each month, the local restaurant, Ciano's, sponsors a free meal night for Air Force members in the Big Top. The Big Top is also open big events such as commander's calls, group physical training sessions, promotion ceremonies and concerts.
The squadron's biggest upcoming event is a Super Bowl party held Sunday night at the Big Top and the Hot Spot. Airmen can participate in trivia games, quarterback challenge, end zone dance contest, food, drinks, and couches and recliners to enjoy the game.
The force support squadron needs volunteers to help keeps these programs running. aerobics instructors are always needed at Muscle Beach. People can sign up to be road guards and give out water during their sponsored fun runs. People can also volunteer to set up, tear down or clean up after events held in the Big Top. To volunteer, contact an EFSS staff member in the Hot Spot or the fitness center.
Staff Sgt. Tommey Fushi is from Tacoma, Wash., and Staff Sgt. Ken Fincham is from Toledo, Ohio.
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2009 08:15 |
| Story ID: | 29456 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 408 |
| Downloads: | 331 |
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