Food services earns ACC award, competes at Air Force level

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  After winning the Air Combat Command John L. Hennessy Trophy here Jan. 23, a team of evaluators will visit the 366th Services Squadron food services team Feb. 13 through 17 as part of the Air Force level 2008 Hennessy award competition.

"The Hennessy award is the highest honor a food service operation can attain," said Blaine Miller, 366th SVS director of services.

Established in 1956, the award is presented to the base with the most impressive food service operations in the Air Force including active, Guard and Reserve bases.

Mountain Home AFB beat out over 20 other bases in ACC for the honor to compete at Air Force level. The base's food services team will compete in the multiple-facility category as two dining services are offered here -- the Wagon Wheel Dining Facility and Trail Winds Flight Kitchen. During the competition, the base will face off against nine other installations from each Air Force major commands.

The 366th SVS staff stands out by offering dining experiences not available at other bases including holiday and birthday meals along with specialty meals like the Mongolian barbecue and monthly "Surf -N-Turf."

"In addition to inspiring pride, professionalism and morale among services troops, the competition promotes excellence in customer service and quality of meals as well as outstanding management and force readiness support," said Mr. Miller.

"This win marks the third straight year the base will vie for the Air Force honor," said Senior Master Sgt. Robin Sword, 366th SVS food service section chief. "It also marks the third year the base's food service operations earned top honors in the ACC competition, which leads up to the Air Force-level contest."

During the multiple-day inspection, the evaluation team will assess the Wagon Wheel Dining Facility, Trail Winds Flight Kitchen, the Services' supply warehouse, accounting procedures, and readiness training.

"The competition was conceived as a means to improve Air Force dining facilities and programs provided to our primary customers, the Airmen. The nomination and recognition of our base is something that all troops can be proud of as it clearly indicates their professionalism," said Maj. James Beaty, 366th SVS commander.

"The Airmen worked really hard to make this happen," Sergeant Sword said. "They deserve the credit."