2011 Air Force Innkeeper Award winners named

  • Published
  • By Capt. Carrie L. Kessler
  • Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO --  In recognition of the 31st year of continued quality service, the Air Force Innkeeper evaluation teams here recently announced the winners of the 2011 Air Force Innkeeper Awards.

The large-base recipient is the Inn on Davis-Monthan at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and the small-base recipient is the Eagle's Rest Inn at Dover AFB, Del.

"The objective of the Innkeeper Award program is to encourage Air Force Inns to improve their management and operation of lodging facilities at the 88 major Air Force installations worldwide," said Wilma Hall, Air Force Services Agency lodging operations branch chief. "But the ultimate and intended benefactor is the customer."

Programs were judged on Air Force lodging standards, customer feedback surveys and in-person evaluations of the Inns.

"Competition is the critical driver of performance and innovation," Hall said. "Recognizing excellence motivates Air Force Inns' staff to exceed all standards set before them and, in the end, the Air Force traveler receives quality service which improves esprit de corps."

The following bases competed in the large-base category: Davis-Monthan AFB; Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.; Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England; Osan Air Base, Korea; Travis AFB, Calif.; Tyndall AFB, Fla.; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Small base competitors were from the U.S. Air Force Academy; Dover AFB; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Peterson AFB, Colo.; Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C.; Spangdahlem AB, Germany; Tinker AFB, Okla.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.; and Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio.

For Daniel Baker, lodging manager of the Inn on Davis-Monthan, which has represented Air Combat Command in the awards program six times since 2004, the repeat award confirms the daily performance of his team.

"Our Motto is 'AIR' - Always Innkeeper Ready," Baker said. "We adhere to Air Force Lodging standards and comply with directives every day. We are ready to receive an Air Force level evaluation any day."

According to Baker, his 63-strong "highly motivated team of lodging professionals," which manages 295 rooms, provides "exceptional guest and housekeeping services."

On the east coast, the Eagle's Rest Inn lodging manager already knew her team was the best. This award "just proved it."

"The staff takes pride in what they do and are very proud they've achieved this," said Rauchelle Watson. "We have a very family-oriented facility. My staff looks out for each other and takes care of business like they should."

Although Dover's Inn competes in the small-base category, it supports a large mission.

"We're home to the C-5, C-17 and also the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center," Watson said. "We handle all the rotation personnel as well as the distinguished visitors and escorts. What we do impacts a lot of places here at Dover."

Award recipients will receive their recognition at the annual World Wide Lodging Managers Conference, which is held in conjunction with the International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show held in New York City Nov. 13. The purpose of the annual conference is to provide Air Force lodging managers corporate-level guidance to assist in their management and operation of facilities.

"Attendees receive information and training direct from the AFSVA lodging staff and also benefit from the various management seminars offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institution," said Maj. Bruce Staufer, AFSVA lodging division chief.

"Participants are also able to discuss current issues with their peers and take advantage of the IHM&RS for the latest in commercial development within the lodging industry."

This networking allows attendees to embrace new ideas and learn innovative approaches that can be integrated into their operations, Staufer added.

The Air Force Innkeeper Traveler's Award is also presented during the conference. This individual award is presented to military or civilian lodging team members who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, attitude, customer service, and job knowledge. The winners will be announced at the Air Force Innkeeper Awards ceremony.

Nominees for the large base category are Dawnika Jones, Wright-Patterson AFB; Jan Erickson, RAF Mildenhall; Tonya Sanders, Travis AFB; and Nancy Santasiere, Davis-Monthan AFB.

Nominees for the small base category are Phil McCaffrey, Peterson AFB, Colo.; Christopher Bernarde, Spangdahlem AB; Jessica Lucio, Whiteman AFB, Mo.; and Brittney Santiago, Dover AFB.

To learn more about Air Force Lodging, visit to www.dodlodging.net.