Services win USAFE awards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Patrice Clarke
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The 39th Services Squadron proved to be the best in U.S. Air Forces in Europe for the second year in a row when they won the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award. Also the 39th SVS Sultan's Inn Dining Facility proved they were the best garnering the 2007 Food Service Excellence Award.

"Our entire squadron has worked so hard for this," said Lt. Col. Dale Bruner, 39th SVS commander. "Serving Incirlik team members is our job and we are passionate about how we accomplish that mission everyday."

The Service's Squadron here won the Eubank Award in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005. The squadron was also the winner of the Air Force level award in 2002 and 2003.

"That is quite a trend that tells a more compelling story than a one time occurrence," said Colonel Bruner.

Incirlik now has five Eubanks Awards to add to its prestigious history.

The Eubank award can be traced back to 1965 when the Order of Daedalians Foundation established the LeMay Award as special recognition for excellence in programming and service. This prestigious award was named in honor of Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, who in addition to his aviation accomplishments, had a life-long interest in support provided by Air Force Services personnel around the globe. This award's purpose is to encourage excellence in Services' programs Air Force-wide. Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., was the first recipient of the LeMay award in 1965.

In 1990, the Order of Daedalians established a second Services award. As a result, large and small base categories were established. The small base category award was given the name of Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Trophy for Services excellence, while the large base category retained the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Trophy for Services Excellence. Plattsburgh A.F.B., N.Y., was the first recipient of the Eubank award in 1990.

The Sultan's Inn Dining Facility also has a reason to celebrate after winning the 2007 Food Service Excellence Award

"We truly just want to thank the customers and all the people who utilize all of the facilities," said Andrew Pastula, 39th SVS Sultan's Inn Dining Facility manager. "Their support is what truly makes this the best Service's Squadron in U.S. Air Forces in Europe."

As a result of winning at the USAFE level, the 39th SVS is now the nominee for the Air Force level award.

"The competition for the Air Force level award is very tough," said Colonel Bruner. "The best Services Squadron from every major command is evaluated by an on-site team before the winner is selected. It's a total team effort, we need the assistance from every other component of the wing when the team arrives in early February. We are extremely proud of our past accomplishments and we expect to win the Air Force level award again this year."