Hennessy Award Evaluation of Sheppard, Feb. 7

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Did you know you could go to an award winning restaurant right here on base?

Well, it’s not called a restaurant here, rather a dining facility, or D-Fac for those who patron the brasserie. But it does have the awards, and they are actually looking to add another one to the collection.

On Feb. 7, the Hennessy Awards committee evaluated Sheppard’s dining facilities and operations for the chance to win the coveted culinary trophy.

“The Hennessy Award is a tradition that’s been going on for 64 years,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Starnes, Air Force service center. “This is not an inspection, it is an evaluation. We are not looking at what they did wrong, more of what they are doing above and beyond.”

Col. Kenyon Bell, 82nd Training Wing commander, center, speaks with Hennessy Award evaluators at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 7, 2020. Sheppard was chosen to be evaluated for the chance the win the Hennessy Award. Bell came to show support before the evaluation began. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)
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Starnes said Sheppard is a large operation with three main dining facilities and a central preparation facility.

The large operation here is for good reason. Sheppard serves around 10,000 meals daily for a large student population and more. That includes Airmen in Training, the Air Force’s sister services’ detachment students on base, permanent party members, and occasionally civilians.

But all that hard work isn’t the only reason Sheppard’s facilities are award winners.

Laura Lozano, left, Hennessy Award evaluator, talks with Lt. Col. Colleen Shaeling, 82nd Force Support Squadron commander, at Sheppard Air force Base, Texas, Feb. 7, 2020. Sheppard has won the Hennessy Award three times in the past. The evaluators look for several factors that can determine whether the dining facility is able to even be nominated for the award. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio
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Sheppard has won a three Hennessy Awards in the past – 2013, 2015 and 2018. Those who work there say it’s a privilege and an honor to be even nominated.

“When we won, it was a privilege. We are honored to be considered for this award again and it was really thrilling for our employees,” said Larry Pressler, project manager for Work Services Corp. “We are an AbilityOne contractor with employees that are primarily disabled, so it’s extra special to have won that award.”

The Hennessy evaluation has changed a bit with only reviewing the best of the best facilities in the Air Force, as well as dividing the award into two regions. Sheppard falls into Region II, which covers the whole western United States and the Pacific Air Force.

The award winners will be announced at a later date.

So next time you eat on base, remember you’re eating at an award winning resta- I mean dining facility.

Sheppard Air Force Base leadership and force support squadron leadership pose with Hennessy Award evaluators at Sheppard AFB, Texas, Feb. 7, 2020. Sheppard has won three previous Hennessy Awards for their above and beyond dining facility operations. The Hennessy team is here to evaluate, giving Sheppard a chance for four wins. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Pedro Tenorio)
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