Dyess recognized for having top services

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The John L. Hennessy Award Evaluation Team will be here Feb. 19-22 to determine who has the best food service in the Air Force. 

Dyess has already been recognized by Air Combat Command for having the best dining facility and lodging facility marking a rare achievement for a base in ACC to obtain both in the same calendar year. 

"Winning these awards means that we are the best in Air Combat Command, period," said Maj. Nolan Corpuz, 7th Force Support Squadron commander. "These are quite the accomplishments, considering the tough competition across (the command.)" 

A lot of work goes in behind the scenes, especially if you want to be considered the best in the Air Force. To win the Hennessy, Team Dyess members have to meet strict financial objectives, obtain a high score on their evaluation, maintain food production logs, have a high customer satisfaction rating, and ensure personnel are properly trained, said Tech. Sgt. Dexter Laffin Jr., NCO in charge of the Longhorn Dining Facility. 

The difficulty of being the best in the Air Force is something not taken lightly in the 7th FSS, Sergeant Laffin said. 

"We are matched against some of the best dining facilities in the Air Force. Some have won this award in the past," Sergeant Laffin said. "It's the little things that can make or break you." 

The services provided by Airmen in the 7th FSS are consistently being recognized for excellent customer service and top notch facilities. It's important to Major Corpuz and his staff, because these are the services put in place to support Airmen and their families. 

"It's easy to take these for granted," Maj. Corpuz said. "I'm certain that anyone who's been to different bases across the Air Force will tell you how lucky we are to have such fine facilities and personnel." 

Major Corpuz is already more than impressed by the dedication the personnel have to be recognized across the Air Force. 

"I'm extremely proud of all of our professionals. Having the Innkeeper, (competing for the) Hennessey, and a five-star fitness center all at the same time is incredible. It's something you probably won't see for a long time again," Maj. Corpuz said. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication put forth by the Force Support Squadron, and the outstanding support provided by Team Dyess." 

When the Inspectors arrive, Maj. Corpuz and Sergeant Laffin request the support of Team Dyess. 

"We can't win it without you," Maj. Corpuz said. 

The team of evaluators for the Hennessey Award consists of Mr. William J. Spencer, Headquarters Air Force Services Agency; Senior Master Sgt. Troy J. Miller, Headquarters Air Force Services Agency; Mr. Gregory J. Hammer, National Restaurant Association and Mr. Paul B. Deignan, International Food Service Executives Association.

The John L. Hennessy Award, named after one of the nation's most respected members in the food service industry, recognizes the best food service program in both single and multi-facility categories in the areas of kitchen operations, serving and dining operations, training and personnel readiness, sanitation and repair maintenance and management.