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Services named year's AF team

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Douglas Hickey
  • 20th Services Squadron
Each year, Air Force officials evaluate career fields for unity and exceptional performance that warrants recognition by the entire force. In conjunction with the Air Force Association, one career field is recognized with an Air Force level award.

“Services was selected based on significant contributions to the war on terrorism and humanitarian relief on bases around the world and to Air Force families,” said former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald Murray. “We are very proud to showcase the dedicated men and women of Services. Any person visiting our installations would be hard pressed not to come in contact with, or be influenced by, our Services personnel. This career field personifies Airmen taking care of Airmen, and we are honored to pay tribute to them this year,” Chief Murray said.

The 20th Services Squadron at Shaw has been an integral part in supporting the war on terror. More than 65% percent of the squadron has deployed in the past year in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Although the Air Force focuses on the mission in various locations around the world, the overall success of the 20th Services Squadron begins with preparations and training done at home station. In the past year, they have been recognized by Air Combat Command with the Readiness of the Year Award and the Food Service Excellence Award due to the efforts and sacrifices made by these Airmen. Additionally, the Carolina Pines Inn was integral to the success of Shaw’s support of personnel displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Chief Murray alluded to the fact that services encompasses a large portion of many installations and this is no different at Shaw where they support over 6,500 military, DoD civilian and family members. The successes on the home front have produced a well-trained and experienced unit ready to deploy and excel in the areas of food service, lodging, fitness, readiness, mortuary affairs and community activities.

Currently, deployed Shaw services warriors provide a huge war fighting contribution within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Training and dedication combine with quality customer service skills to regenerate and rejuvenate coalition forces. The Airmen from the 20th Services Squadron have been involved in Southwest Asia organizing more than 78 social functions in the first month of deployment for 4,677 customers, lodging more than 29,000 personnel and prepared and served 460,000 meals through the AEF rotation while successfully supporting combat sorties.

Despite the hard work, Services Airmen recognize the importance of what they do on a daily basis.

“I love that services offers fun and relaxing recreational activities,” said Staff Sgt. Denise Bhola, 20th SVS. “I think if we, as a team, can pull together and make everyone on the base smile, then we’ve offered them a piece of happiness away from home and taken their mind off of hardships they may be experiencing.”

Capt. Kenneth Marshall, 379th Expeditionary Services Squadron commander, sees first hand the efforts put in by services Airmen in a deployed location.

“Remarkable in themselves, these words and numbers barely begin to touch on the daily contributions of the squadron and impact all members have on AOR accomplishments,” he said. “Every Airman from Shaw warrants recognition for doing an amazing job supporting the Air Force mission. The deployed services team from Shaw is a vital part of the 379th Expeditionary Squadron's ability to complete its mission.

“Daily, these great Americans live the unit’s mission statement -- to provide combat support to deployed U.S. and coalition forces by offering the highest quality food, lodging, fitness and recreational facilities and programs. They are focused, on target and all clearly showcase the spectrum of contributions made by the career field named the Air Force Team of the Year,” Capt. Marshall said.

Air Force services enhances the quality of life for Air Force members and their families around the globe.