JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Air Force Services Activity officials announced the winners of the 59th annual Hennessy Trophy awards March 27.
The award recognizes Air Force installations with the best food service programs in five categories, and is based on the entire scope of an installation's food service program.
“The competition this year was tight with all participating teams displaying an outstanding level of proficiency in providing for the food service needs of our Airmen,” said Col. Marc D. Piccolo, AFSVA commander. “Our winners displayed excellence in management effectiveness, force readiness support, food quality, employee and customer relations, training and safety awareness.”
Evaluation teams, consisting of two people from the National Restaurant Association and one military member from each region, selected the winners. Working with restaurant professionals is an invaluable part of the program and helps Air Force food service evolve, said Bill Spencer, appropriated fund operations, food and beverage section chief with the AFSVA.
“The relationship is great; it keeps Air Force food service ahead of the game by looking to industry and learning from their best practices. As industry improves, so does the Air Force Food Service Program,” he said.
The 2015 winners are:
• Region 1 (East): Hurlburt Field, Florida, Air Force Special Operations Command
• Region 2 (West): Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Air Education and Training Command
• United States Air Forces in Europe Food Service Small Site: Buechel Air Base, Germany
• AFGSC Best Missile Feeding Operation: Malmstrom AFB, Montana, Air Force Global Strike Command
• Best in Air Force Food Transformation: MacDill AFB, Florida, Air Mobility Command
Hennessy evaluators also identified nominees for the Hennessy Travelers' Association Award of Excellence, selecting Air Force military food service professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, attitude and culinary skills. Each recipient received an invitation to attend training at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Saint Helena, California, in October where winners will be announced.
HTA nominees for Region 1 are:
• Airman Joshua Allen, Tyndall AFB, Florida
• Airman 1st Class Jonathan Martinez, Hurlburt Field
• Senior Airman Marco Tordera, Whiteman AFB, Missouri
• Staff Sgt. Angela Sapikowski, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
• Staff Sgt. Reginald Brown, Ramstein Air Base, Germany
HTA nominees for Region 2 are:
• Airman 1st Class Cody Ferrante, Holloman AFB, New Mexico
• Airman 1st Class John Hisola, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
• Senior Airman Markeese Mcleod, Yokota AB, Japan
For more information about AFSVA food service programs, visit http://www.myairforcelife.com/Dining.