Aviano Lodge recipient of prestigious Air Force award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Mountain View Lodge staff took home the 2007 Air Force Innkeeper Trophy and an additional $25,000 to further enhance customer services and mission support. The Air Force presents the innkeeper awards each year to recognize bases that excel in running Air Force lodging operations. 

"This doesn't surprise me in the least," said Col. Monty Brock, 31st Fighter Wing vice commander, who was on hand to make the announcement Tuesday to the lodging team. "The positive feedback I receive from all levels of visitors who stay at the Mountain View Lodge just doesn't end." 

The 44-member staff of Airmen, U.S. and Italian civilians from Aviano took home the small base category (fewer than 285 rooms), and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Air Reserve Station, Minn., took home the large base category (at least 285 rooms), and an additional $30,000 to improve their operations as well. 

"A big part of our success this year can be attributed to everyone coming together as a team to accomplish the mission," said Master Sgt. Rosa Aumack, 31st Services Squadron lodging assistanct manager. "We have people that truly care about the job they do and it shows by being recognized at the Air Force level." 

Evaluation teams consisting of members of the Air Force lodging staff visited each major command nominee and evaluated each operation using an extensive 25-page checklist covering customer service, housekeeping, financial and facility management, services, and related support activities. 

"It's a great feeling and honor to receive the innkeeper award at the USAFE level earlier this year and now at the Air Force level really topped it off," said Staff Sgt. Misty Dawson, 31st SVS lodging training manager. "I've been working here [16 months] and this award represents all the hard work and dedication we [invest] in [the services we provide] to our customers. This award means we're at the top of our game, that our staff and our facilities are the best."

The innkeeper trophies for the two winning bases and the innkeeper travelers' awards will be presented at the International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show in New York City Nov. 10. All innkeeper travelers' award nominees are invited to attend, as the four award recipients will be announced at that time. Ezio Buna, a material handler for the Mountain View Lodge will represent U.S. Air Force Europe command in this category and will be accompanied by up to two dozen other lodging and base personnel invited to attend the event in November. 

The Air Force Innkeeper Award Program was created in 1981. The award is presented annually to recognize the lodging operation that provides the most outstanding hotel-type lodging and customer service to the Air Force traveler. The purpose of the award is to encourage innkeepers to improve their management and operation of lodging facilities.