Homestead Air Reserve Base

Nice base, but everything is always close. I can’t wait for another air show… That is truly awesome!

The title of the base is deceptive. The base has an identity crisis. After Hurricane Andrew it’s status was changed from an Air Base to a air reserve base. Because of the large number of DOD I’d card holders in the SFL area (40,000) some services that are not seen on a typical reserve base are found here, such as Outdoor Recreation (ODR), a lemon lot and an all ranks club. There are approximately 1400 full time government employees on base, which the base caters to before the reservists they are supposed to support. An example is a newly refurbished fitness center with both appropriated and non-​propriated funds and yet they are not open on weekends (except drill weekends). 2 days a month and 14 days a year; so when are the reservists r going to maintain their fitness; just once a month? Another example is the ODR which is not open weekends when reservists are generally not working their «day» job.
A big gap is service of the 40,000 DOD card holders in area that was created by the loss of Homestead Airbase status. The big gap is no commissary for the 40,000 eligible users. Commissary case lot sales are provided only sporadically 2 – 3 times a year. Write your congressman about this gap; the old commissary building still exists.
The Air Force lodging service is first class. It supports the reservists and flight crews who use the airbase. Vacancies are normally available except for the first weekend of month.
I am rating the base two stars for lack of vision by base leadership for failing to leverage their opportunities and take advantage of their strengths.