ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Dining facility personnel are often unsung heroes of the Air Force story, but one stand-out Airman recently earned an Air Force-level award.
Airman 1st Class Juwan Milhouse, 48th Force Support Squadron food services journeyman, is the most recent recipient of the Arthur J. Myers award; for military hospitality working toward the overall improvement of the quality of life for base personnel.
“I was shocked to find out that I won an award; especially at the Air Force level,” Milhouse said. “A lot of hard work was put into it, and it was really exciting to see how everyone had taken notice. I thanked my leadership for mentoring me down a positive route.”
Created in 2015, the Arthur J. Myers Award is presented to members who assist in increasing combat capability, productivity through worldwide programs promoting fitness, esprit de corps and quality of life for Air Force personnel worldwide, whether deployed in support of contingency operations or at home station.
As the first face that many Airmen see at the beginning of the day, Milhouse goes above and beyond to make a difference not only in how the food tastes, but how personnel start their day.
“I love putting a smile on the customer’s face while they wait,” Milhouse said. “When they are in line sometimes, you can tell they’re in a bad mood, so it really feels good to be able to make a few jokes to potentially brighten their day.”
Smiling his way through every shift, Milhouse’s charismatic personality was even noticed by the base commander.
“Airman Milhouse exemplifies what it means to be a ‘wolf’,” said Col. Robert Novotny, 48th Fighter Wing commander. “He was one of the first Airmen that I met when I got here as wing commander. Even though he had no stripes, he was always positive, always motivated and now, two years later, he’s a below-the-zone selectee and an Air Force-level award winner.”
Milhouse’s motivation and customer service skills weren’t the only thing that stood out to leadership. His proficiency and volunteer efforts have also had a strong impact around the Liberty Wing.
“Find a good mentor that is willing to push you and get you where you need to go,” Milhouse said. “Taking the knowledge that they gave me not only helped me in my job, but also in the other things I took part in; whether it be putting smiles on the customer’s face or volunteering around base.”
Moving on to his next base, three ranks higher and as an award winner, Milhouse will not only carry with him the instincts of a ‘wolf,’ but also the “Forward, Ready, Now” capability that his 48th FW family has instilled in him to carry throughout his career.