Services takes top AETC award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 47th Force Support Squadron's Services division recently took top honors in the Air Education and Training Command for excellence in their field.

The unit earned the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award for quality in Services and outstanding performance for a small unit.

"We won this award because of how much we've improved over the last year," said Mike Easterly, 47th FSS Community Services Flight chief. "We have really done some new and innovative things at Laughlin."

Although Laughlin paved the way with many 'first in Air Force' programs, the most notable was the merger between the Mission Support Squadron and Services Division, creating the 47th FSS.

Other breakthroughs included: first to receive permission to purchase boats through the Air Force Capital Lease Program, first in Air Force to change the club membership program from a rank-based dues structure to a level of service dues structure and a 3000 percent increase in net income from fiscal year 06, said Alexander Kovras, executive director of the 47th FSS.

Not only has Services contributed new and effective programs to Laughlin, they are also responsible for a multitude of operations on base such as Outdoor Recreation, marketing, mortuary affairs, and the more noticeable responsibilities like Losano Fitness Center, Cactus Lanes and the base clubs.

"Laughlin's Services is a phenomenal division that works so hard for and with the community; it's been an honor working with them," said Easterly. "It's the closest knit community I've ever worked with."

After winning the award in AETC, they will now compete at Air Force level for the most Outstanding Small Services Squadron/Division.

"Our unit is going to do everything we can to be prepared to go up against other bases at Air Force-level," assured Dennis Carroll, 47th Services marketing director. "We're improving the appearance of the clubs and double-checking every aspect of how we can provide the best quality of life to our Airmen."

March 17 to 20 an inspection team will visit Laughlin to inspect all Services facilities. They will be looking for things such as quality in customer service, financial stability and just an all-around good package from our Services division, said Carroll.

"This was a well-deserved award and I think Laughlin is ready to compete at Air Force level and bring more recognition back to a worthy community," Easterly said.