MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Force Support Squadron has been chosen as one of the finalists for the title of the best large installation level FSS for 2017.
The 42nd FSS is head-to-head with the 18th FSS, assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan, for the Air Force Curtis E. LeMay Award.
The Air Force Curtis E. LeMay Award recognizes the best large and small force support squadrons. The award’s name comes from the former Air Force Chief of Staff, because of his passion for quality of life programs available to Airmen.
“One of our mantras is people first, mission always,” said Maj. Michelle Richards, 42nd FSS commander. “We whole heartedly believe that if the people are taken care of, they will take care of the mission set ….We are here to enable the warfighter and we understand how vital we are to that mission set.”
The award is split between two categories: small installation level (serves a population under 5,000) and large (serves a population greater than 5,000)
Maxwell falls under the large installation level category, along with 38 other squadrons in the Air Force. The 42d FSS won the 2017 title for Air Education and Training Command and is now competing at the Air Force level.
To size up the competition: Kadena FSS has 1,100 more personnel and $ 35. 6 million more in their MWR fund to provide programming for Airmen and their families.
Despite the size variance, Richards said the 42nd FSS has made it to this point in the competition because of their teamwork, positive attitude, and dedication to the mission.
“When you look at the scales, we look very tiny compared to them, but I’ll tell you we are small, but spunky,” Richards said. “This squadron has heart and passion and it’s being demonstrated in their work, we strive to get it right every single day.”
The competition scoring is broken down into two phases:
Phase one, the squadrons are scored on personal metrics, customer services surveys, mission accomplishment, management and customer focus, leadership, innovation and integration.
Phase two covers varying force support functions evaluated during an in-person base visit.
The 42nd FSS is expecting their on-base evaluation for later this month.
“I think whether the squadron wins or loses, they’ve already won,” Richards said. “We recognize our size, but the passion and tenacity is something that is second to none and this prestigious recognition allows the rest of the Air Force to celebrate with us.”