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Congresswoman & 4-star General officially open fitness center

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jordan Pollock
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Two distinguished visitors helped cut the ribbon to Team Fairchild's new fitness center May 19th.

Cathy McMorris Rogers, U.S. Representative for the 5th District of Washington, was joined by Gen. Raymond Johns Jr., commander Air Mobility Command, to officially celebrate the new $18.7 million facility that opened March 2012.

"For so long Fairchild's fitness center failed to meet the standards that our servicemembers deserve." McMorris Rogers said. "We've turn an outdated fitness center into one of the most outstanding state-of-the-art facilities in the country."

The previous fitness center was in a 66-year-old converted warehouse whose roof collapsed from heavy snowfall in January 2009. By December of 2009, the House Appropriations Committee approved funding for a new fitness center for the base.

"I know what it takes to do this and this was huge," Johns said referring to the project's funding. "And then what's most amazing is when we have a wing with a vision, a design team and contractor team that really come together to make a magnificent facility."

The fitness center features an indoor track, aquatics center, and also houses the Health & Wellness Center.

"In order to make this building a reality it was through the great support of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers." Col. Paul Guemmer, 92nd ARW commander, "I couldn't be more proud of the men and women who made this building possible, and who kept everything on track so we could get it open for our Airmen."