COLUMBUS, Ohio - The 121st Air Refueling Wing Services Flight located at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, earned the title of "The Best Food Service Operation in the Air National Guard." The announcement was made in March by the deputy director of the ANG, Maj. Gen. Charles V. Ickes, II.
The Senior Master Sergeant Kenneth W. Disney Food Service Award competition took place during the 121st's November unit training assembly. The unit last competed for the Disney Award in 2004 and received 2nd place honors.
"This is one of the finest groups of individuals I have ever worked with," said Capt. Holly Mitchell, Services commander. "They are winners and this award is well deserved," she added.
The purpose of the competition is to improve food service preparation, serving techniques, sanitation, and food management throughout the ANG, and to increase the morale of food service personnel. All ANG units with self-supporting food service operations are eligible for nomination, but only the top three nominees compete. Each services flight submits a nomination package that includes specific initiatives, achievements, and accomplishments during the award year.
"We always have wonderfully prepared meals, even at our Mobile Kitchen Trailer during our ATSO exercises. Now the whole Air National Guard knows what we've known for a long time," said Brig. Gen. Tom Botchie, 121st commander.
The 121st Services Flight is comprised of 32 Airmen, including six personnel in the student flight waiting to attended basic and/or technical training. The Airmen have anywhere from one weekend to 28 years of experience in food service preparation. The inspection team was so impressed by the student flight that they, along with two other members of the flight, were awarded individual coins. Coins are given to Airmen who exemplify the Air Force Code of Conduct: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do.
Members of the wing and Services will represent the ANG at the John L. Hennessy trophy presentation during the National Restaurant Show in Chicago, Ill., in May.