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Who’s the best….366th FSS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Force Support Squadron earned the Maj. Gen. Eugene L. Eubank award, naming them the best (small installation) force support squadron in Air Combat Command.

The Eubank award recognizes the best installation-level force support squadron after evaluating its mission accomplishment, leadership, innovation, management, customer focus and customer impact.

"This squadron's hard work has paid off because we set a standard being the best," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Dewlen, 366th FSS commander. "We are not satisfied with the status quo, we think outside the box about what we can do for Gunfighters at Mountain Home AFB."

The accolade highlights the squadron's mission to provide top-notch quality of life programs, activities, entertainment and events for the Gunfighter community.

"Winning this award demonstrates we are the best force support squadron within ACC and solidifies the hard work and achievements put forth by our personnel," said David Hymer, 366th FSS deputy commander. "It also shows them the hard work they do is noticed and how significant our programs are to our customers."

Many MHAFB programs have seen increased popularity during the past year.

"For example, we revived the 5K program and went from 20 people per run, to an average of 250 people and have had upwards of 1,200 at certain races," said Dewlen. "People show up to our events and utilize our facilities because they know we are helping build esprit de corps, morale and teamwork.

"Of course the amazing prizes and give-a-ways are helpful," he continued. "Where else can you win an expensive camera or ski lift tickets for doing a run? What other base is giving away a brand-new $7,000 four wheeler, pool table, Pac-Man machine and juke-box at the base club on New Year's Eve? This doesn't happen anywhere but here."

By winning at the ACC level, FSS leadership can now expect a visit from Air Force level judges.

"Now we can anticipate an unannounced visit sometime in February," said Hymer. "During that visit, inspectors will physically view all the programs listed in the award package in order to evaluate us completely. This gives front-line managers and employees the opportunity to share all the great things they are doing for Gunfighters with the inspection team."

Many people do not realize FSS Airmen work holidays, down days and family days while everyone else is enjoying the time off.

"This is a team concept because everyone who comes to the table is sold on our squadron's philosophy - Mission First and People Always," said Dewlen. "This is not just a job, this is a way of life. When you work, we work and when you play, we work harder."
One main reason the 366th FSS was able to achieve this prize was by listening to what their customers wanted.

"We are building programs which Airmen want and giving them the opportunity to provide feedback in order to constantly evolve," said Dewlen. "ACC has told us that this base has the best golf course, bowling program and youth center in the entire command. We are beating other bases because my personnel are finding innovative solutions and listening to what our customers want."

Customers are being asked to help FSS personnel by continuing to participate in the activities they enjoy and let inspectors know who the best FSS in the Air Force is.

"I am just so pleased and proud to be the commander of this squadron," said Dewlen. "I'm a little biased but I feel the personnel on Mountain Home Air Force Base have a gold mine in this FSS because we are number one in ACC!"