PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Excellence in all we do isn’t just an Air Force Core Value, it’s the main ingredient in the 45th Force Support Squadron’s recipe for success in Food Service Operations.
Once again, the 45th Space Wing is a top contender for the Air Force’s prestigious John L. Hennessy Award for excellence in Air Force Food Service, and we have our sights set on keeping the trophy we won in 2016.
This year our food service professionals have worked incredibly hard to improve food recipes, equipment and customer satisfaction.
Beginning Feb. 13, the Hennessy Award evaluators will review food service operations at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. The team consists of three highly esteemed experts in the food service industry from both the military and civilian community: Master Sgt. Reginald D. Morrison, Air Force Food and Beverage Operations Manager; Peter Christie, retired founder and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association; and Hal Ritchie, principal of Ritchie International Branded Resource Group.
As one of 17 Air Force bases to operate under the Food Transformation Initiative, evaluators will judge Patrick AFB’s entire food service portfolio to include: the Beach House, Tides Club, Fairway’s and Alley Café, as well as the jewel in our crown, the Riverside Dining Facility.
In the search to find the “Best of the Best,” evaluators will give a hard look to management effectiveness, force readiness and food quality.
“The unmatched customer service will propel us to the top,” 45th Force Support Squadron Commander Maj. Chong H. Gregory said.
Our food service professionals take great pride in the ability to provide the ultimate dining experience.
Whether it’s an Airman, a retiree, a civilian or a contractor, our dining operations aren’t just a place to eat, they are locations with good people who transcend a sense of community, well beyond each facility.
They have fed more than 205K Airmen this year and have exceeded last year’s total by over 20K. Additionally, it’s no secret that people enjoy all of the dining locations.
“The best thing about dining at the facilities across Patrick AFB is the variety available,” said Tech. Sgt. Jacob Sargent, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge expeditionary engineering. “Depending on the amount of time I have, I can quickly pick-up a delicious grab-and-go sandwich or have a unique made-to-order meal. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the options available to my Airmen and me.”
“As the 2016 Hennessy Award winner, we understand what it takes to be the very best,” said Gregory.
“We take pride in serving our community and it’s a huge honor to be selected as the best Food Service operation in the Air Force. Every day we continue to strive and prove we are the very best to our customers. Needless to say, we’re excited to host the Hennessy evaluation team, and we’re ready to show them the ‘excellence in all we do.’”