FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- 141st Force Support Squadron members were recognized by the 2010 John L. Hennessy Travelers Association Award of Excellence Team. 141st FSS members, Tech. Sgt. Ryan Warner, Tech. Sgt. Cynthia LaForce, Staff Sgt. Timothy Jonckers and Airman 1st Class Mara Ewing, currently on active duty orders with the 92nd FSS, supported the Warrior and Survival Dining Facilities during the Team's inspection this past week.
The Hennessy Award is an annual award program which recognizes excellence in food service support within the Air Force. Fairchild had already been selected as best in the Air Mobility Command based on a package submitted by the 92nd ARW. The team conducted a two-day assessment at Fairchild and awarded outstanding performance certificates to selected guard, active duty and civilian members.
Sergeant Warner was assigned as a 92nd FSS shift leader at the Warrior facility during the inspection.
"This inspection was a little more difficult because everyone on my shift was brand new, fresh out of tech. school. I had one day to prepare with the airmen and the next day they just shined," Sergeant Warner said. He believes he was recognized because of his positive attitude and the way he motivates and mentors the airmen.
The four 141st FSS members began a six month active duty tour with the 92nd FSS on Feb. 1, the day prior to the inspection.
Airman Ewing had recently returned from tech. school in December and when asked why she was recognized, she said, "I think it was because of my enthusiasm to learn and my confidence in my abilities."
Another shift leader, Sergeant LaForce, was on duty during the inspection.
"I know that I am very good at my job, I motivate the airmen and stay positive and get the job done all at the same time so I believe that they saw that," said Sergeant LaForce.
The Awards Team, which consists of both military and civilian judges, evaluates foodservice programs based on foodservice management, force readiness support, food quality, employee and customer relations, resource conservation, training, and safety.
"I spoke to all the inspectors a lot. I've been through a lot of these inspections so I'm not afraid to talk to them and I tend to be more personable with them," Sergeant Jonckers said.
The Hennessy Awards Team will visit five more Air Force bases through the end of February. The final winner will be announced on May 22 at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Ill.