65 FSS wins 2013 Eubank Award

by Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/18/2014 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- For the second year in a row, the 65th Force Support Squadron has been awarded the prestigious Air Force-level 2013 Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award.

The Eubank Award annually recognizes excellence at small bases. Force support squadrons are evaluated on mission accomplishment, leadership, innovation, management, customer focus and customer impact.

"This is truly a Team Lajes award," said Jeff Adams, 65th FSS director. "This award judged us on our support to the community as well as the community's support of the 65th FSS."

Lajes' FSS consists of 230 personnel - 21 military servicemembers, 39 U.S. civilians and 170 Portuguese nationals. They provide military and civilian human resource support, lodging, feeding, fitness, recreation and quality of life improvements for the Lajes community.

"The FSS plays a significant and critical role in developing and caring for all our Airmen and their families through their outstanding support programs," said Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services. "Undoubtedly, the support efforts of each FSS has a clear and direct impact on overall mission success."

There were nine Eubank Award nominees throughout the Air Force.

However, according to the award summary, Lajes Field's FSS Outdoor Recreation was unparalleled. It provided commercial-grade family fun events, along with tours, paintball, geocaching and cultural orientation, achieving a net income adjusted for depreciation of more than $100,000.

The Marketing team proved critical to executing the wing commander's intent by actively teaming with Public Affairs and American Forces Network communication programs.

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System team was recognized as one of the top 12 within the Department of Defense. It was also nominated for a Site Excellence Award.

Fitness ratings were high with 78 percent scoring excellent and a passing rate of more than 99 percent, the highest in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

The Bowling Center increased food sales by 11 percent and increased revenue with the addition of electronic games and clever advertisements.

And finally, the Military Personnel Section created an innovative online program to ease the permanent change of station process for approximately 2,500 users.

Among these, other considerations included customer surveys, Personnel Action Report, customer financial support and reviews from a visiting evaluation team.

"I believe this achievement is important to our team because it serves as validation," said Adams. "It verifies our customers like what we provide and that we continue to evolve our programs to meet their desires."

Adams attributes the success of the FSS team to their hard work, great customer service and pride.

"The FSS works continuously no matter the mission tempo," he said. "Lajes is like a small town and the FSS handles much of the day-to-day running of that town when it comes to services and personnel."

In previous years, the 65th FSS was awarded the 2011, 2012 and 2013 USAFE Eubank Award. For the last two years, 2012 and 2013, they dominated the Air Force-level Eubank Award.

"This shows continual process improvement and pride throughout the past few years," Adams said. "I think it's important for everyone to understand that these achievements are tied to great people within the FSS and the community."

The Eubank Award is presented to the force support squadron which best represent the priorities Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank placed on the morale and welfare of America's fighting forces to further the overall mission. Eubank was a highly decorated pilot who served more than 34 years in the Air Force.