Bolling community gears up for Eubank team evaluation

Published Jan. 15, 2009
By A1C Susan L. Moreno
11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- The Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank evaluation team is slated to visit Bolling Jan. 26-30 to evaluate the 11th Services Division and the 11th Mission Support Squadron.

Both units are competing together against services divisions from Aviano Air Base, Italy; Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for the title of Best A1 Community in the Air Force. Each base will be judged on leadership, management, mission accomplishments, customer focus and satisfaction, and operational results.

"However, there is no second place," said John E. Robinette, 11th SVS director. "It's on a win-or-lose basis."

The 11th SVS manages 19 facilities, 262 programs, 548 employees and 50,000 lodging guests - all while maintaining a 97 percent customer satisfaction rate.

"This award is based entirely on customer service," Mr. Robinette said. "We have customer comment cards at every facility and we answer every one we receive."

This is the first year the award has combined mission support and services to be presented as a force support award.

Preparation has not been without obstacles, however, said Lt. Col. Diane M. Jones, 11th MSS commander.

"We've had so much to do to get ready," she said. "Everything has been so busy with the presidential inauguration coming up, but in true Bolling fashion, we've worked together to put our best foot forward."

11th Wing Commander Col. Jon A. Roop agrees.

"Base support has been excellent in preparation," he said. "The 11th Civil Engineer Squadron has been working to help freshen up facility appearance and correct discrepancies identified by activity managers. Flight chiefs and activity managers are working hard to complete self-help projects."

The A1 community also includes functions outside of the traditional mission support squadron and services area such as mission readiness, support, protocol, honor guard, sexual assault awareness, equal opportunity and education and training.

The Eubank award, which is presented annually, recognizes excellence by Air Force A1 organizations worldwide at small bases where there are less than 5,000 Airmen assigned. Its counterpart, the LeMay award, recognizes large bases with more than 5,000 Airmen assigned.

The Eubank award was named for Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank, a highly decorated pilot who served more than 34 years in the Air Force. General Eubank recognized the importance of morale and welfare for America's fighting forces to further the overall Air Force mission.

An informal social to welcome the team is scheduled for Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. and is set to feature the United States Air Force Band and Honor Guard.

"The 11th Mission Support Squadron is excited to be a part of the Eubank competition," Lt. Col. Jones said. "MSS would like to thank the entire base for the support provided to us as we prep for the Eubank evaluation visit."

Colonel Roop added, "The 11th Services Division and 11th MSS teams are aggressively working issues to ensure the Eubank evaluators understand why Bolling is considered 'The Chief's Own.' The men and women of the 11th Services Division and the 11th Mission Support Squadron have led the charge in the National Capital Region by exceeding Air Force standards in developing and improving programs to support the mission and meet the needs of the Bolling community."

The winner is expected to be announced in March or April.