ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 97th Air Mobility Wing Force Support Squadron received the 2018 Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award for best small installation FSS in the Air Force, June 2019, at Altus Air Force Base, Okla.
This award recognizes the importance of morale and welfare for America’s fighting forces to further the overall Air Force mission. The award encompasses work done in different specific areas including consumer focus, deployment readiness, mission accomplishment, overall FSS leadership, innovation and intergradation. The 97th FSS has proven to excel in all of these areas.
“One of the comments the award judges kept making while they visited the base was that they would see the passion that [our Airmen] have for customers and the mission,” said Scott Brake, the 97th FSS Deputy Director. “No matter which one of the 23 areas within the squadron they went to, they could see the dedication of our Airmen.”
The 97th FSS has accomplished many notable awards and commendations that helped assist in their win throughout 2018. Last year, they won the John L. Hennessy Award for the best dining facility in the Air Force, received multiple achievements for the Airmen and Family Readiness Center community outreach programs, and proved how well the FSS takes care of the wing, mission and its members.
“Keeping the mission in the forefront, not losing sight of who our primary customers are and our personnel being all-in have helped us win this award,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Edgard Castillo, the 97th FSS Superintendent. “I don’t think anybody was actually doing their jobs so they can win the award. Everybody here absolutely loves what they do and is invested in supporting the mission."
With over 350 members as part of the FSS team, it was highlighted how much effort every Airmen puts into their work. Combined efforts and the overall love for the job helped title the Mighty 97th FSS as the best in the Air Force.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team’s outstanding service to our Airmen and families here at the Mighty 97th,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Leard, 97th AMW commander. “This award not only showcases the determination of the Force Support Squadron, but also the high caliber of Airmen who keep our members mission ready.”
Proven through numerous achievements and awards, the 97th FSS efforts have not gone unrecognized. They constantly help keep Airmen of the Mighty 97th happy, safe and constantly ready to achieve the day’s task.