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Grand Forks AFB Services wins Eubank Award

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. --  The 319th Services Squadron was recognized last weekend as the best small base services program in Air Mobility Command. 

The Major General Eugene L. Eubank Service Award is presented to bases with fewer than 6,000 assigned military and civilian personnel for outstanding morale, welfare and recreation programs. 

Winning at the MAJCOM level isn't new for the squadron. They have been the AMC nominee in 1997, 2000, 2001 and 2005, competing at the Air Force level each time. 

The squadron presented a strong package focusing on accomplishments from the past year in five categories: customer service, programs, management, facilities and equipment. 

Customer service represented 35 percent of the total score. A major component of that portion took into account the Air Force Customer Feedback Surveys filled at various services locations and events. According to the award criteria the primary focus of the evaluation is whether the customers' needs are being met. 

The squadron listened to its customers, responding to requests for better fitness equipment by replacing the cardio and strength training equipment in the base fitness center, said Maj. Paul Swenson, 319th SVS commander, in the award package. 

"What put our squadron over the top is the response to our customers' demands for programs and our customers' participation in those programs," Major Swenson said. 
"This really is a team Grand Forks award, not just a Services Squadron award." 

The programs instituted by the squadron focused on improving the morale and enjoyment of all base personnel and families, the package said. The squadron offered 11 sports leagues, 18 free exercise classes and numerous instructional classes including scuba, swim classes and Red Cross certification. The unique programs like the annual Kids' Fishing Tournament and the hosting of the Chicago Lyric Opera helped the squadron reap maximum points in the programs category which accounted for 30 percent of the total score. 

Management accounted for 15 percent of the score but was represented in nearly half of the award package bullets. The squadron is the focal point for Operation Enduring Friendship, a program developed by the local community to show appreciation to the base by offering discounts and free tickets to sports and cultural events. Last year, the program distributed $180,000 in tickets. The squadron also orchestrated housing for 122 Coast Guardsmen with less than 48 hours of notice for local flood relief. 

The final 20 percent of the points were split equally between facilities and equipment. The fitness center is recognized by the Air Force as a four-star facility. 

"The AMC Eubank Award is recognition of the outstanding support this squadron provides to the base," Major Swenson said. "From WinterFest to the post-ORI picnic, from Easter Buffet to the Missoula Children's Summer Theater program in the Youth Center, the programs we offer strike a chord with our customers, and together we make fun music." 

According to Major Swenson, an on-site evaluation is expected between January and February.