Laughlin’s hotel wins another AETC award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin's hotel, the Laughlin Manor, continues to impress visitors.

For the third time in its six-year existence, the manor has been named the top small-base hotel, earning it the Innkeeper award for Air Education and Training Command.

According to a statement on behalf of Maj. Gen. Anthony Przybyslawski, AETC vice commander, the Laughlin Manor epitomized first-rate Air Force lodging operations, directly leading to an unprecedented 98-percent customer satisfaction rating for 2009.

"The Laughlin Manor's success is attributed to our consistency in providing the best customer service possible," said Gary DeRouen, Laughlin Manor general manager. "From the time a guest checks in to the time they check out, they are treated with the utmost respect."

Lieutenant Col. Danette Van Dalen, 47th Force Support Squadron commander, said the manor's success is a team effort.

"The Manor's success is the result of excellent teamwork between not only our management, housekeepers, and maintenance staff, but also with tremendous support from our partners in the 47th Installation Support Squadron, 47th Contracting Squadron and Wing Protocol," said Lt. Col. Van Dalen.

The general's statement said the manor went the extra mile by submitting several facility upgrades.

"The best part of the manor is the combination of the staff here and the facility," said DeRouen. "Our building and rooms are exquisite and our entire staff does an incredible job in maintaining the facility and providing outstanding customer service."

Moreover, the manor went above and beyond in providing outstanding support to two Vance Air Force Base training squadrons, assisting their training timeline and the graduation of 34 Vance pilots.

"As a manager, I have never had a better staff than the one I have here," said DeRouen. "Everyone has a part to play and success is achieved by the team as a whole."

The manor also won the Innkeeper award for the entire Air Force in 2004.

"Guests repeatedly praise our staff and facility, expressing how comfortable and pleasant their stays were," said Lt. Col. Van Dalen. "I would especially like to commend our lodging manager, Gary DeRouen, and his team for their consistent leadership, initiative and caring attitude."