Services wins food fight

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Emily Alley
  • 190th Public Affairs
FORBES FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Topeka, Kan. --  Airmen of the 190th Air Refueling Wing's Force Support Squadron, Sustainment Services Flight were presented with the Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth W. Disney Food Service Award at a ceremony in Chicago at the end of May.

The award followed a challenging inspection. Unit members across the base showed up to eat at the dining hall to support the flight during its evaluation. During that weekend, the dining hall set a new record for attendees.

"We usually serve about 400 day," said Capt. Ellisha Jones, Force Support operations officer. "During Saturday of the inspection, we served 640."

"We've never served 600, let alone gone over," said Tech. Sgt. Danielle Peavler, kitchen supervisor and meal scheduler. "I planned for 500, but the line was still out the door. Captain Jones and Senior Master Sgt. Mike Akers were in the kitchen
making wraps. We ran out of everything."

Services Flight used its entire stock of food for drill on the first day. That night, several members went to a grocery store to pick up additional supplies.

"It was awesome," said Peavler. "The inspectors loved us. They saw how we adapted and made it happen."

Master Sgt. Sean Cochran submitted the award application for his flight.

"What made me put it in was the great job the Airmen did," he said. "They feel like they do something that is recognized and valued, even if it's not glamorous."

In addition to the flight's award, Peavler was recognized as an outstanding performer and received the Hennessy Travelers Association Award of Excellence to attend a culinary course in Napa Valley, Calif.

"I hope it helps me get creative and expand options and recipes," she said.

While she doubts she'll be able to offer gourmet meal options and soufflés for 500 people, she plans to continue improving services offered by her flight. In the last eight months, the dining hall has already seen in a consistent growth in usage over drill weekend. Peavler is honored that she was personally recognized, but knows she couldn't have succeeded alone.

"I want to make sure it stays about the flight," she said. "We do this together."