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Fitness Center opens Java Junkiez

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Java Junkiez  celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and free samples at the fitness center, June 7.

The new snack and drink bar will offer lattes, mochas, smoothies, frappes and snacks, such as salads, sandwiches and wraps. For those looking for healthy options, any of the drinks can be enhanced for pre-workout or post-workout with a super fat burner, glutamine, and whey. They also offer other options. Java Junkiez is open as early as 6 a.m., seven days a week.

"This snack bar in the fitness center is important because we want to promote a healthy lifestyle," said Staff. Sgt. Erline McKenzie, fitness specialist. "People don't have to worry about going home to get a supplement. They can also have healthy options to choose from before or after a workout without having to worry about high caloric content."

This company was founded by entrepreneurs Hardy Flowers and his wife Christy in 2004. There are four locations. The other three are in Pensacola, Fla.; Baltimore, Md.; and at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

This Java Junkiez location was funded by the 20th Force Support Squadron. Some of the profits of the venue will go toward the morale and welfare fund for Team Shaw.

"We saw this as an opportunity because Team Shaw needed a place to grab an energy boost or snack at the same time as getting a workout," said Lt. Col. Dalian Washington, 20th Force Support Squadron commander. "We worked closely with the 20th Contracting Squadron to put this plan into action. Java Junkiez presented us with the best (proposal). Their success will help our success."

The opening of Java Junkiez attracted many Airmen who came and enjoyed samples of chicken and tuna salad, and frappes called the Nutty Monkey and Key Lime.

"This is just what Shaw needed," said Staff Sgt. Ferdinando Acerra, 20th Maintenance Operations Squadron training instructor. "The food is delicious and the service is great."