JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Each year, the Air Force selects one Force Support Squadron as "Best in Air Force" by presenting them with the General Curtis E. LeMay award.

This award was established in 1965 by the Order of Daedalians Foundation and is named in tribute to General Curtis E. LeMay, who supported morale, wellness and recreation programs provided to Air force members and their families.

It's a unique and prestigious award that gives special recognition to the people who provide excellence in programming and service to our military members, civilian employees, and customers every day.

The 62nd FSS at McChord Field recently captured the 2009 Gen. Curtis E. LeMay Award for Air Mobility Command for its second year in a row. Of the 35 large-bases that competed, we were nominated as one of four finalists being considered for Best Force Support Squadron in the Air Force. Each finalist-base receives an on-site visit by an evaluation team who looks at mission accomplishment and innovation, leadership and management, customer focus, and customer impact.

On Jan. 24, after two short weeks of preparation, we welcomed the six-person LeMay evaluating team at the McChord Clubs and Community Center. They were greeted by leadership and a lively group of young and excited cheerleaders from our youth center.
In two days, the 62nd FSS was able to showcase our "Everyday Excellence" in all the following areas, including its sub functions: Sustainment Services Flight, Manpower & Personnel Flight, Airman & Family Services Flight, Force Development Flight, and Community Services Flight.

From everyone in the Force Support Family, we thank all of the members of Team McChord and our outstanding customers, for without your support and assistance, our squadron could not have reached this level of recognition. We couldn't have done this without you.

The winning team will be announced and presented with a traveling trophy along with a plaque at the Manpower, Personnel, and Services World Wide Conference in San Antonio, Texas, March 8-12, 2010.