Offutt to compete for Hennessy Award

  • Published
  • By Donna Rachels
  • 55th Force Support Squadron
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Offutt's two military dining facilities -- the Ronald L King Dining Facility and the Campisi Alert Dining Facility - were recently selected to compete against Nellis AFB, Nev., for best in Air Combat Command honors. The winner moves on to the Air Force-level competition. 

Established in 1956, the Hennessy Award program is an annual competition to determine the "best of the best" in the Air Force Food Service programs. The Hennessy Award is the highest honor an Air Force food service program can receive. 

"It's an opportunity to showcase our people and their commitment to excellence," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeffery Olmstead, 55th Force Support Squadron food service section chief. This award is based on every aspect of food service operations; from excellence in management to food quality to readiness support. Offutt has excelled in all areas of food service; having met the criteria necessary to compete for the Hennessy Award. 

"It's a true honor to be a part of the Hennessy evaluation for ACC. The amount of teamwork and partnership that's created is truly remarkable," said 1st Lt. Jamie Guevara, 55th FSS food service officer. 

According to Lt. Col. Denise Cooper, 55th FSS commander, excitement and enthusiasm are widespread as the red carpet is rolled out to welcome the Hennessy team coming to evaluate the two dining facilities Nov. 1 -4. 

"Winning an award like the Hennessy would bring prestige and even dollars to our infrastructure," the commander said. 

The commander extended an invitation to everyone to "join the enthusiasm" and attend the ice breaker planned for the evaluation team. 

"Leadership and base involvement is especially important as awareness and enthusiasm impacts overall scores," Colonel Cooper added. 

The icebreaker is Nov. 1 at the Community Activities Center from 4 - 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided and a cash bar will also be available. Colonel Cooper asked that attendees enter the community center through the west side entrance (facing the library), and walk through the deployed tent replicating a combat dining facility. This offers each attendee an opportunity to pay tribute to our deployed men and women. 

"It's a big day for all of our Airmen who have worked so hard to help this come to fruition," Colonel Cooper said. 

"To me this means being the best we can be, it means excellence," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Bernier, noncommissioned officer in the 55th FSS quality procurement and training section.