Raider Café triumphs, receives Hennessy trophy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Hailey Staker
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Every year, Air Force dining facilities and food service programs compete against fellow DFACs across the organization for the coveted John L. Hennessy trophy.

The annual award, given to the best of the best dining facility for the last 60 years, covers the entire scope of an installation's food service program that exhibits excellence in categories such as management effectiveness, force readiness support, food quality and safety awareness.

The Raider Café, the sustenance behind Ellsworth AFB's bomber Airmen, competed against seven DFACs in Air Force Global Strike Command for the Hennessy award in 2015 and emerged victorious.

"When we compete, we're being graded on everything from production logs, menus and how we take our orders to using recipe cards, food storage and how we clean the facility," said Senior Airman Brittany Edgmon, 28th Force Support Squadron food services journeyman. "This is to show off the best food [service] in the Air Force."

Created in 1956, its purposes are to promote excellence in customer service and meal quality by recognizing outstanding DFAC operations; inspire high morale, motivation and a professional image through pride and spirited competition; and to improve management concepts and practices.

"[The evaluation team] looks at how the Airmen interact with each other, how they interact with our [civilian team], our training records and how [personnel] talk with customers," said 2nd Lt. Corey Hayes, 28th FSS food service officer.

During the major command competition, programs were judged based on an award nomination package, Hayes said. When competing at the Air Force level, the Raider Café will be evaluated Feb. 11 by a three-person team who will do a hands-on evaluation on what was submitted in the package.

"The team includes a master sergeant from the Services Activity, and two civilian professionals who are either owners of restaurants or culinary schools," Hayes continued. "After the evaluation, they'll sit down and go over each base, how they scored and then announce the winners at a final ceremony in Chicago."

The Services Activity is like the Air Force Personnel Center, but for the services career field. AFPC creates guidance and regulations for Air Force personnel, whereas the activity builds the career's policies and regulations, said Tech. Sgt. Rojelio Valenzuela, 28th FSS assistant dining facility manager. It also coordinates all services activities throughout the major commands so all programs are on the same page.

According to Edgmon, the Hennessy trophy is that reminder the café is on point.

"It shows that we've been working hard, we're doing our job right and we're going above and beyond. We've come a long way since legacy, since the renovation," Edgmon said. "Before, it was simple and easy. It was a main line and snack line, and now we have expanded so much. We have so many different options, a better menu selection and it's not just for the Airmen, it's for the whole base." 
 
Hayes adds Hennessy gives the perspective that can be lost during day-to-day operations.

"...these Airmen are some of the best [services Airmen] in the Air Force, and we try to recognize them through awards and on their evaluations," Hayes explained. "But I think Hennessy's that one universal thing that showcases, saying 'hey, you guys are awesome and here is how we tell others you're awesome.'"

Additionally, Hayes stressed the importance as a leader to ensure Airmen are recognized for their hard work.

"It's one of those things where, day in and day out you lose perspective on how much the base depends on you, and Hennessy is that way to bring it all back," Hayes stated.