FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO- Héctor Vázquez Muñiz, Secretary of the Puerto Rico Sports and Recreation Department, and his staff, visited Fort Buchanan, the Army’s home in the Caribbean, March 31 and met with Col. John D. Samples, installation commanding officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Kimberly D. Bergman-Gándara, Garrison command sergeant major, and Daniel E. Cain director of the installation Family and, Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate.

During the encounter, the leaders discussed future collaborations between their organizations to promote physical fitness across the community. The Secretary also toured the installation’s sports facilities, including the Roberto Clemente Annex, the softball field, and the main gym, which are currently under renovation.

“Fitness is crucial for the readiness of the warfighters, and Fort Buchanan is enhancing its facilities to make this goal possible. Fort Buchanan actively encourages warfighters to maintain their fitness, and we support this effort by renovating the installation’s recreational areas.” said Samples.

Vazquez expressed admiration for the installation’s emphasis on physical fitness.

“It is a privilege to visit Fort Buchanan, a place I rarely visit. However, I remember coming to Fort Buchanan about one year and a half ago, and I can see all the infrastructure improvements achieved. I noticed everyone’s enthusiasm for making this happen. Fort Buchanan maintains a serious and disciplined focus on fitness, which is impressive,” said Vázquez.

As Fort Buchanan continues laser-focused on its mission to enable the warfighter, collaborating with the state-level Department of Sports and Recreation takes another dimension. After all, the discipline and drive required to serve in the military and succeed in athletics are similar characteristics. The military and sports are both competitive. Not only do soldiers and athletes want to win, but they also are taught to be the best in both. The military constantly grades its service members with points or a score, whether in a weapons qualification or a run. They both require excellent physical condition, discipline, and leadership.

With an annual budget of over $500 million, Fort Buchanan serves a military community of approximately 15,000 active-duty Reserve, Puerto Rico National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve personnel. Fort Buchanan’s mission is to serve as a readiness enhancement platform and facilitate the deployment of military personnel to any place at any time.

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