374th FSS best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lynsie Lorenz
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA Air Base, Japan --  The 374th Force Support Squadron recently received the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award as the best small category force support squadron in the Air Force.

The award recognizes outstanding morale, welfare and recreation programs at bases with fewer than 5,000 assigned personnel. This marks the first time Yokota has won the award.

"The Eubank evaluators looked at all of our programs and services as well as our customer feedback and customer interaction of our programs," said Louis Van De Mark, 374th Force Support Squadron director.

Some of the specific services recognized included the education and training office and the FSS training institute.

"Our education and training section was recognized as best in the Air Force and the Enlisted Club was recognized as the best club in the Air Force," said Mr. Van De Mark.

The Eubank Award can be traced back to 1965 when the Order of Daedalians Foundation established the LeMay Award as special recognition for excellence in programming and service.

The distinguished award was named in honor of Gen. Curtis E. LeMay who had a life-long interest in the support provided by Air Force Services personnel around the globe.

In 1990, the Order of Daedalians established the small base category award called the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank Award for Services Excellence, while the large base category retained the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award for Services Excellence.

"Everyone on Yokota contributed in one way or another by participating in our programs, and providing us with customer feedback," said Mr. Van De Mark.

Results of customer service surveys, Air Force Quality of Life surveys and mystery customer visits from Air Staff personnel played a big part in the results of this competition.

According to the award criteria, the primary focus of the evaluation is whether the customer's needs are being met.

"Our job in FSS is to be the force enabler for the Air Force's number one weapon system, our Airmen," said Mr. Van De Mark. "Winning this award validates the fact that we've prepared Yokota's Airmen the best we can."