RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 12th Services Division proved just how bad they wanted to be the best in the Air Force by garnering the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award this week.
The LeMay trophy recognizes the best unit in the large base category, including bases with 6,000 or more military and civilians assigned. Randolph last won this award in 1971; the most recent Air Education and Training Command base to be so recognized was Lackland Air Force Base in 1996.
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.
The 12th Services Division placed first in the 2006 AETC services competition and was one of six bases to compete for the LeMay award.
"This high level of excellence got us in the competition but I think a few extra things took us in for the win," said Terrye Heagerty, 12th Services Division Director. "We had a year full of programs, to include several new ones, such as Customer Appreciation Week and Rambler 120. We opened the last phase of the golf course greens project, renovated the Bowling Center snack bar, opened the Randolph House, saw the completion of 2 new restroom facilities at Canyon Lake, started a Child Development Center kitchen renovation project and opened a world-class fitness center. From a business perspective it was our year!"
A team of Air Force inspectors visited Randolph in February to get a first hand look at the 12th Services Division's programs and facilities. The team canvassed all areas of the division's service, including the Rambler Fitness Center, base clubs, dining facility, bowling center, child development centers, golf course, honor guard and Randolph Recreation area at Canyon Lake.
The team evaluated the division on customer service, programs offered, management, facilities, equipment and leadership. The scores from the evaluation were combined with the results of the Air Force customer satisfaction survey to determine the winner.
"I am so proud of the dedication and hard work this team delivers every single day and extra proud to see them recognized for their effort," Ms. Heagerty said. "This award is also a great kudo for AETC Services, without their support we would not have had the opportunity to compete at Air Force. A big thanks to them for their support as well!"
"Great people, doing whatever it takes to meet the customers needs and expectations ... that's what Services is all about," said Col. James Sohan, 12th Mission Support Group commander. "Winning the LeMay competition shows the 12th Services Division does it better than anyone else!"
The division will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Air Force Services Awards Banquet in April during the Air Force Services Worldwide Conference at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.