MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Darci Kruse, athletics director at IronWorks Gym here, and Stephanie Brown, aquatics director at Shark Bait Dive Center here, were recognized for their hard work and dedication on behalf of the Armed Forces Recreation Society July 12.
AFRS, a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association, works on behalf of military recreation professionals around the world to improve the quality of life for service members and their families.
In addition to the work AFRS does to make the lives of service members and their families a little bit easier, they also take time each year to recognize the work military professionals do individually.
Based on professionalism, qualification and nomination, recreational professionals are selected to receive awards in various categories.
Kruse was among 11 selected to receive the John (Pat) Harden Practitioner Award, of responsibilities, including mobilizing volunteers, decorating, contracting for entertainment and food, coordinating publicity and working day and night in preparation for the program.
“(Kruse) is just one of those employees with the initiative and drive to do well,” said Dickinson. “She wants to succeed and wants to see our programs and customers succeed as well.”
Kruse does everything from leading Mt. Fuji climbs to teaching a new jump-rope class, all while working hand-in -hand providing participants with quality fitness instruction.
“(Kruse) is just a pleasure to work with,” said Dickinson.
Stephanie Brown was among seven selected to receive the Fellow Award.
The Fellow Award recognizes recreation professionals who have worked a minimum of two years in AFRS at the operational level and are responsible for overseeing and implementing recreational programs.
Stephanie Brown is also a licensed scuba diver, and she holds several qualifications.
“Stephanie Brown has done some great things in the area of aquatics and scuba diving,” said Curtis Brown, Ironworks Gym chief of athletics department.
"She was eligible based on her experience. She is very professional in dealing with our customers, our staff and our Marine Corps resources."
Stephanie Brown has worked to improve the aquatics department by implementing new programs and enhancing old ones the past two years.
“You give (Stephanie Brown) a task and she’ll take it and run with it,” said Curtis Brown. “She is great to work with, has a positive attitude, and her employees love her.”
Stephanie Brown and Kruse are slated to receive their awards at the 2010 AFRS Awards Banquet in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 25.
The banquet is to recognize all award winners for the contributions they make to improve the quality of life for
service members and families.