55th Force Support Squadron named best in the Air Force again Published March 31, 2014 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The 55th Force Support Squadron has gone back-to-back! The squadron was recently named the 2013 Air Force General Curtis E. LeMay Trophy winner as the best force support squadron in the Air Force for the second year in a row. "I couldn't be happier and more excited for our FSS teammates," said U.S. Air Force Col. Gregory Guillot, 55th Wing commander. "They do a tremendous job for all of us here at Team Offutt and I'm very proud of them for earning the coveted Lemay Trophy." The 55th FSS represented Air Combat Command at the Air Force level and was selected over eight other installations from around the world to earn the trophy. "Winning the LeMay Trophy, especially back-to-back, says the 55th FSS team is truly dedicated to meeting the mission," said Tom Fahrer, 55th FSS deputy director. "We work as a team to ensure success in all areas." This is actually the second time Offutt has won the award on back-to-back occasions. The base also brought home the trophy in 1973-1974 as well. "Whether it's competing for the Hennessy Trophy for the best food service operation in the Air Force, ensuring the Child Development Center is open to support an exercise, or processing a deployment line at the installation personnel readiness center -- we are all in," Fahrer added. The LeMay Trophy is named after U.S. Air Force Gen. Curtis E. LeMay, the former commander of Strategic Air Command and the fifth chief of staff of the Air Force. Thanks to his recognition of the impact on the day-to-day performance of certain support elements within the Air Force, an increased emphasis was put on personnel support activities. Every base is evaluated yearly in areas such as leadership, programs, management, personnel, facilities and equipment. In addition, this year's evaluation was done with no-notice. "This shows that the outstanding level of service the FSS provides to us every day is exactly the same as what they showed the inspectors," Guillot said. Last year was full of challenges and opportunities for the 55th FSS, and they made the most out of them. With less funding than ever, the squadron had to make tough financial decisions and come up with new ways to make ends meet. By relying on self-help for multiple projects, leaning on volunteers, and maximizing their funding, the 55th FSS became an example for other bases to follow. "Within fiscal constraints, Team Offutt created synergies and capitalized on self-help construction by incorporating Auto Hobby, Outdoor Recreation, Equipment Rental and ITT into one facility, ultimately reducing labor costs, boosting foot traffic and turning a profit," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel D. Cox, deputy chief of staff of manpower, personnel and services. "They conquered the ACC Comprehensive Unit Inspection with an 'Excellent' rating, which identified 14 superior performers and also lauded the meticulous record keeping for the on-base cemetery," he added. Even with all of their recent success, the 55th FSS leadership has said their team will not rest on their laurels and continue to look for ways to improve their programs. "We have a tremendous team of professionals who, through all of the turmoil of sequestration and furloughs, maintained consistent high quality programs and services for the base," Fahrer said. "(We are) truly made up of professionals who care deeply about taking care of all Airmen and their families and ensuring the 55th Wing accomplishes the mission."