Spangdahlem named best Air Force installation

News > Spangdahlem named best Air Force installation

Spangdahlem named best Air Force installation

Posted 2/15/2011

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by Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/15/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, as the 2011 Installation Excellence Award recipient Feb. 15.

The base will receive $1 million for quality-of-life improvements.

"Congratulations to (everyone) -- from the Airmen and their family members to the civilians, contractors and our neighbors in the German community -- for being awarded the 2011 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence Award," said Col. Christopher Weggeman, the 52nd Fighter Wing commander. "Now, . . . as the most outstanding installation in the U.S. Air Force, we have the opportunity to make quality-of-life improvements with the $1 million prize."

The Installation Excellence Award, which was initiated in 1984, recognizes "the outstanding efforts of the people who operate and maintain Department of Defense installations, and effectively use their resources to support the mission," according to the Air Force secretary and chief of staff's announcement for the award.

"The (Spangdahlem AB) family continues to shatter my every expectation in so many ways," Colonel Weggeman said. "This victory is the validation of our ethos -- I am proud to be a part of this installation, and I know this award is truly deserved."

Along with the Installation Excellence Award, 100 units and individuals were recognized as special recognition winners. This secretary of defense award recognizes units, teams, projects and individuals for outstanding support of installation excellence. Individual special recognition winners are awarded the Air Force Recognition Ribbon or the civilian recognition lapel pin.

"It's the outstanding Airmen who make an installation outstanding," the commander said.

Comments

4/18/2011 4:47:34 PM ET
Of all of the reviews I have read I believe my 82-85 tenure at Spang is the oldest at this point. This was the best tour of the 14 bases I served at in my almost 21 years. We were proud of what we had there and of what we did, as I am sure those who have followed are equally as proud. Our facilities then were not new or elaborate but that did not affect our performance. Service to our country isn't easy. Take pride within.

Robert Beatty MSgt USAF Ret., Keesler AFB Ms.

4/14/2011 9:11:52 AM ET
Congrats to the great team at Spangdahlem for their IEA win. I know how much work was put into the evaluation by the IEA team and great leadership makes all the difference. Dover won the award in 2008 and was runner-up in 2009, so I can definitely appreciate everything that went into winning that prestigious award. Great job Spang, hope the money helps reward the great people behind the mission there.

MSgt Retired Rick Barker, Dover AFB DE

4/8/2011 3:19:47 PM ET
Excellent Story---made me feel quite proud reading the news. I grew up part of my childhood while my Dad was stationed at Spanghdahelm almost 35 years ago He was with CE then and a big part of the construction that went on then. A good friend of the family was the Base Commander also then, and I know he would also have been proud to read this story. So a good story to read and brings back good memories of Spangdahlem and our Air Force life there.

S Parzentny, Civilian USAF Florida

3/19/2011 9:53:33 AM ET
I was stationed at Spang from 1990-93 and worked in the CBPO located in the old Green House building. That's MPF or military personnel for you guys. (lol) My best times were had at Spang. I still communicate with my landlord in Badem. Great base, great people... We recieved the Outstanding Unit Award w/Valor 3 times. Keep up the great work

TSgt Volentine, Camp Beauregard LA ANG

3/17/2011 9:50:48 PM ET
I recently pcs'd from Spangdahlem. Was there from 2008-2010. Worked in the best Comm Squadron. Spangdahlem lead the way in so many Comm initiatives. First in USAFE to fully stand-up a CST 1st to get VOIP across the base, tech refresh computers across the base... I miss good ole Spang and all it had to offer. PACAF needs to catch up.

TSgt Ratkowski, Kadena AB

3/17/2011 10:34:45 AM ET
I worked at Housing Supply on Spang back 1986-1989 and Spang was outstanding then and are still taking care of business today. Good for you!

Valerie , Buckley AFB CO

3/14/2011 12:22:52 AM ET
So proud. JOB WELL DONE SPANG. Keep it up! Let the world know that we're the best of the BEST. Proud 2 be an AMERICAN. HOO-RAH!

Christopher, Hill AFB

3/11/2011 7:16:31 AM ET
Team Spangdahlem does it again. I was on active duty in 1992 stationed there and the base won the IEA then. I am proud to have been part of the best base in the AF and the most rewarding assignment I had there during my 25 year career. I have been looking to get back to Spangdahlem as a civilian for some time now.

Valerio Barone, Hurlburt Field FL

3/9/2011 4:24:55 PM ET
Congratulations Spangdahlem. As a former member of the Spangdahlem Combat Proud team that worked on installation excellence in 2005 it is good to see the best base in the Air Force finally recognized as such.

Lt Col Wade Mueller, Michigan

3/9/2011 2:21:53 PM ET
Good job and congrats. Every base probably deserves some sort of recognition. It is all a matter of opinion and the boss's opinion is what counted. As for as for other members complaining of the condition of their base, no matter where you go there will be old buildings and less than perfect installations. You can't avoid it. We all work 12 hour shifts from time to time, some more than others, but remember, you are contributing to freedom, not getting a new BX or gym. The men and women who served in Vietnam could probably never imagine the quality of life that we have now. Remember that.

Apple, MCAFB

2/25/2011 2:08:13 PM ET
Congratulations Spangdahlem I know this award was highly deserved. My family and I were stationed there from 00-04 and I remember the state of the facilities there but we loved it there. I hope the money is used for good quality of life initiatives for future Airmen and their families to work and live. It's one of the best kept assignment secrets.

Retired MSgt, Hill AFB UT

2/24/2011 5:49:36 AM ET
I think we work pretty hard over at RAFL and I am sure that right now everybody in the Air Force is working hard. Regardless in my opinion we should spread the wealth to everyone to try and make each installation a bit more even. You should get or expect the same standards at every installation you are stationed at other than deployed areas. In USAFE the Death Star over at Ramstein has everything while other bases don't come close. Of course the military answer is that you make the best of where you are at, but I truly believe every installation should be comparable, not luck of the draw. Do away with these silly competitions. Organizational excellence and team work should be the standard and not judged like a pageant. How much money was spent for the team of judges to travel to all of the installations? Congrats to all my USAFE brothers and sisters at Spang. I am not hating on you just the system.

Double D', RAFL

2/23/2011 10:36:52 AM ET
As a prior Spang resident, people stationed there like to work and it shows. Teamwork is an everyday task well accomplished. The base size helps the unit to coexist and the flow of duties is excellent. Also, it helps a lot that when you take the inspection visitors to dinner in some fancy European restaurant or Luxembourg. Bases in the States can only take you to Chili's or Applebee's. Excellent job, Spang!

Mike Lucena, Muniz ANGB PR

2/23/2011 8:44:36 AM ET
Spangdahlem had some very serious morale problems when I was there two years ago. I sincerely hope they won this through good leadership as opposed to leadership working their people to the bone to win some recognition.

David, Fort Meade

2/23/2011 8:26:11 AM ET
Way to go Spangdahlem. We spent 4 years there from 98 - 02. The people there work hard and long hours but they have such pride for the base. They will definitely put that money to good use.

Crain, Robins AFB GA

2/18/2011 3:47:35 AM ET
Although I may not like being stationed here and there are much better bases in the Air Force, Spangdahlem definitely deserved to win the IEA. This base is old, places are falling apart. There really is no BX. The gym is the oldest one in the Air Force. We desperately need an indoor track for the temps here, and the list goes on and on. Travis is much better off LITERALLY than we are here. The IEA has nothing to do with the looks of the base, more of who really needs the money most. If you have never been to Spang and you are talking crap then you really should come and see what we are talking about. Not only will you be shocked by how old and out of date everything is here but you will really be shocked by how old our theatre is with one screen and the roof almost caving in. The base is VERY bare and we need the money for a lot of things. So before you start to make assumptions I think you should visit and reevaluate who really deserves what.

Audrey, Spangdahlem

2/18/2011 2:13:07 AM ET
To Col Weggeman and the men and women of the 52d FW, congratulations. As a former Saber from 04-09, I can attest to the fact Spang deserved this award. When I was there we called ourselves USAFE's Premier Fighter Wing...how fitting. Congrats again, Sabers!

SMSgt Wendell Shoultz, Deployed2 BW Barksdale

2/17/2011 6:18:12 PM ET
For the haters out there, the last time I checked they don't give out prices for last place. I recently left Spangdahlem and I can tell you that the people work hard because they take pride in all they do. The wing leadership is awesome. To the B-52 guy from Minot, don't think that you're the only one working 12 hour shifts. We work longer than that...

SteveO, Honolulu

2/17/2011 3:03:42 PM ET
Congratulations Spangdahlem. Please don't let the negativity of other get to you in any way. For those who talk down others accomplishments maybe if you take that negative energy and shifted it to positivity toward your own base then perhaps you would be prasied in the same mannor. And if you are praised in the same mannor I just hope that nobody would say to you what you have said to them. Ladies and gentleman lets not put our brothers and sisters down. In the AF I would like to think we are smarter than that.

SrA Fry, Peterson AFB

2/17/2011 1:30:24 PM ET
Congrats Spang. Good job. Funny we haven't any responses from SSgt Sean Afghanistan yet.

Spangers'n Mash, USAFE

2/17/2011 12:18:17 PM ET
Great job Spang. I have stopped by your base a couple of time to gas up before going through Belgium. You all deserve some money for improvements. This is a reflection of the great team you all have there. Keep up the good work and enjoy the rewards.

MSgt Hal Modglin, Landstuhl Germany

2/17/2011 11:52:56 AM ET
Congrats to all those at Spangdahlem who put in the time and energy to win this award. I believe hard work pays off not those looking for hand-outs. I believe this awards goes to Spangdahlem for using all they have and don't have to accomplish the mission. Not whether or not they had the best quality of life features and won to add to it. The payout of the award so happens to be geared towards those improvements. From my short stay at Spang those individuals believe in their mission and do all they can to achieve it. Again Congrats.

Marcus, San Antonio TX

2/17/2011 11:37:31 AM ET
Congrats Spang. Just came from Ramstein and I know you guys work hard over there. You guys truly deserve it.

Chris, Holloman AFB

2/17/2011 11:29:03 AM ET
Being a former Spangdahlem Airman I know that the people there work hard and make good use of what they have. Congrats to all the Airmen at Spang for a job WELL DONE

Gary Gatewood, Tyndall AFB FL

2/17/2011 11:11:10 AM ET
Why not use some of that money to provide day care services so spouses/prior military to take face to face college courses instead of injecting money for spouses to be housewives? My husband is currently on a 6 month deployment and 3 months into it is the only time that I have heard from the base. It was an offer for the Deployed Spouses dinner. The Air Force talks about Air Force Family life but only care about the families when it's to show off something to inspectors.

Lauren, Spangdahlem AB

2/17/2011 10:24:16 AM ET
The award as far as it has been publicized was presented to the base that put forth the most effort to showcase its achievements and daily operations as a whole. That goal was briefed verbatim by the 2-Star who lead the evaluation team. This base like any of the 97 others is literally just acreage. The people of the 52nd FW make this base what it is and it seems such a shame to disregard their accomplishment. Congratulations Spangdahlem.

Lamarre, Spangdahlem AB Germany

2/17/2011 9:52:06 AM ET
I agree with giving extra money to the BEST. Every base has it's budget. This award shows Spangdahlem AB has pride in ownership.

Usafrank, JBMDL

2/17/2011 9:36:23 AM ET
While I also thought you'd think the worst voted base would get this money I look around this base and see room for a lot of improvement. Its not our base facilities or amenities that got us this award it's our people and the pride in our jobs. The size of Spangdahlem's gym is pathetic, our theater is more ancient than most dollar matinees back in the states, and almost no parks/family areas for cook outs/squadron outings. These are just a few things about Spang that we can make better. The difference for us compared to the majority of other bases is we dont have the option to go to a Golds Gym, a 25 screen movie theater or local attractions. This money will bring improvements to many aspects of this base and our QoL, not just a single improvement. Keep in mind Spangdahlem also has multiple GSUs that to my knowledge will be benefiting from this award. Seek Attack Destroy.

Nick, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 9:20:24 AM ET
To all the negative comments towards this article I can only assume that you have never had to work at Spangdahlem. While the people on the base are top notch hard working dedicated professionals the facilities of the base are sub-standard at best. This award was not based on being the best looking base with the best facilities and the most modern equipment. Rather it was based on the installation that best used the resources available to it. Our commanders and supervision at all levels have done an outstanding job of relaying the importance of taking care of the people property and equipment that we have in limited quantities here. If you think that the million dollars does not deserve to be spent here come visit us for a few days and take a tour of our facilities.

Michael Cole, Spangdahlem Air Base

2/17/2011 8:56:51 AM ET
Congratulations to Spangdahlem AB, the AF does have money somewhere...a cool million to award the best of the best and leave the others out in the cold.

ConcernedMilitary, FL USA

2/17/2011 8:49:17 AM ET
I do agree that 1 million dollars could be well spent in other places. However I feel that the meaning behind the reward has been misunderstood. The Installation Excellence Award... recognizes the outstanding efforts of the people who operate and maintain Department of Defense installations and effectively use their resources to support the mission. Spangdahlem AB was not judged by the conditions of the facilities but by the quality of the airmen that operate them and the mission that they accomplish. There are many quality of life improvements that should be made to Spangdahlem AB. It is an award that is much deserved by its members.

SSgt, Germany

2/17/2011 8:29:41 AM ET
NFL Draft Give it to the lowest ranked base Hogwash. Lets start giving out full ride scholarships to D students. Or maybe hand out stripes to the people that had the lowest score on WAPS testing. What would be the point in striving to be the best This award is not given out to the base with the newest buildings in the best location. Spang would not have been in the running if it did. We are in the middle of farm country operating out old buildings. But we make it work.This money is a reward to the military civilians and dependents that work here. It is a direct reflection of the effort that is put in to make things happen. I quote the article outstanding efforts...effective use of resources. It is doing more than deemed possible with less than you thought you had fulfilling the mission and making it seem easy. I am glad the Air Force does not award mediocrity. As for QoL issues...come spend some time here and I think your perspective might change.

J, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 8:27:28 AM ET
Probably 2 million dollars in wasted resources to win 1 million. But hey its a good EPR bullet.

What a Waste, Afghan

2/17/2011 8:22:15 AM ET
I am very disappointed in all the negativity on here. How about a simple congratulations? First this award is not based on which base has the best facilities with the prettiest painted rocks. If it was Spang woulg be near the bottom ever time. This award was given to Spang for doing the best job with the resources we have. Ask anyone that is at Spang now or has ever been here and I bet they will tell you the base has the worst facilities out of any base they have ever been stationed at. They will probably also tell you that they worked with the best people they have ever worked with while they were there. That is what this award is about. So please hold the complaints and simply offer congratulations to a base that has worked extremely hard to be the best in the Air Force.

TSgt Fox, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 7:36:16 AM ET
I agree 1M is a huge reward. This could not be best use of resources considering other bases could use that money for quality of life improvements. If life there is so good then what could they possibly do with the money that they haven't done already? I think they should give them a nice trophy or monument and spread the money around.

A D, Scott AFB

2/17/2011 7:20:56 AM ET
All this talk about Does Spang really need quality of life improvements is from people NOT ASSIGNED TO SPANG... I personally represented Spang during the IEA and can assure you that we worked for that 1000000.00. It was between Travis AFB and Spangdahlem, not only does Spang have 10x the mission and responsibility but we are doing it with less people and some of the oldest facilities in the DOD. I can assure you that every person on this base put their best foot forward and our winning is well deserved. Food for thought: when does the last person to cross the finish line at the Indy 500 get paid? Oh yeah I forgot to mention we get it done in 3 ft of snow with a wind chill of -10 C.

SSgt Boone, Spangdahlem AB Germany

2/17/2011 7:20:16 AM ET
Congrats to all my brothers and sisters in arms at Spandahlem. Trully hard work always pays great dividends. A special congrats to the postal team...you guys truly deserve it.

TSgt Ivan Abudo, RAF Menwith Hill UK

2/17/2011 7:02:15 AM ET
I work at minot and its great that an overseas base gets recognition, but we here at minot, as a maintainter on the B52H, deserve improvements to the 60 year old dorms and facilities. They say here only the best come north. Why not reward the 12 hour shift exercise ridden airmen at MINOT AFB with improvements? Anyone who is or has been at minot would agree.

SrA B, Minot AFB North Dakota

2/17/2011 6:45:03 AM ET
It would be nice if we could give money to the all bases to help boost quality of life and other much needed work but winning an honor like this shows that hard work pays off. Even though I will not be here to see this money put to use, I know the money is very much needed and will be going into some awesome projects to benefit our airmen and their families. I am proud to have played a role in improving things here at Spangdahlem and making this a better base for our future airmen.

SrA Bryan, Spang AB

2/17/2011 6:38:39 AM ET
For some reason this does not surprise me at all. Exacly what I would expect to happen.

SrA Cannon, Cannon AFB

2/17/2011 6:04:06 AM ET
Obviously the people commenting on this have not been stationed here in the past 5 years. This base currently has the OLDEST gym in the Air Force and I am pretty sure that we could use the money to make updates througout the base seeing as we have numerous buildings that are either condemned or are just out of date with things falling apart. As for giving the money to the worst base... You are kidding right? How does that serve as motivation to better your installation? If you are receiving money for having an awful base that seems like a prime example of fraud waste and abuse. I think you should all reevaluate your assessments of who should and should not get money and focus on helping your base win the award next year.

SrA Spears, Spangdahlem AB

2/17/2011 6:00:31 AM ET
That money should go to a base that really deserves to upgrade it's QoL...like LAKENHEATH This place just begs for improvements but it's the (forgotten) child of USAFE.

Sgt Presley, Lakenheath

2/17/2011 5:48:30 AM ET
I think people in this forum need to reread this sentence from the article recognizes the outstanding efforts of the people who operate and maintain Department of Defense installations and effectively use their resources to support the mission.The efforts of the people assigned at Spangdahlem made the difference. I don't think having oldest fitness facility in the Air Force won the award for us.

SSgt Wilson, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 5:29:22 AM ET
Spangdahlem deserves the award as well as the money. Spangdahlem does not have a full size BX, the gym has water leaking from the ceiling, the dining facility is condemed and there is no indoor running track, even though there is inclimate weather during the majority of the year. Unlike Cannon, Spangdahlem members can not go right off base to get things to meet their needs. I'm quite sure there is a WalMart and a Gold's gym or YMCA located near Cannon. Spangdahlem is located in a small countryside area in the eifel region of Germany. Spangdahlem won because of the outstanding and DESERVING members of this base.

SSgt Williams, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 4:56:41 AM ET
To be honest, I'm disappointed with a few of the comments posted here. This award was based on the hard work and sacrifices of the members of Spangdahlem AB and the community that surrounds it not based on the current facilities on base or location. If you have ever visited Spangdahlem AB, you would see that for over 5000 airmen and family members we have the bare minimum as far as facilities and most of what we have is old and run down. In fact to get any half decent shopping from the BX we have to travel 20 minutes to an old annex of the base because the BX on Spanngdahlem is too small to hold more than electronics and a few clothing articles. The IEA team that came here to assess Spangdahlem was looking at the people and everything they have accomplished and let me tell you we deserve an upgrade. Congratulations again to my fellow Sabers.

SSgt Rutherford, Spangdahlem AB Germany

2/17/2011 4:06:42 AM ET
With all due respect to the folks commenting on this issue if the facilites on Spangdahlem were exceptional I would agree with you. However there are a lot of facilities on this base that need renovation or expansion. Spangdahlem AB won this award because the people here make the most of what they have to work with. That is why the incentive of a 1 million price worked for us. We worked hard to get the money so that we could fix up the base now and into the future.

Angie, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 3:39:11 AM ET
The IEA is a rigorous process which validates an installations stewardship and innovation with our Nation's precious resources. It measures how well the Airmen at an installation use what they are provided to achieve mission success and create an environment which cares for our people on and off duty. The prize is earned by our Airmen not the modernity of our structures. Its outstanding Airmen which make an installation outstanding and win the IEA for their team. The 1 Million dollar prize has been provided to our amazing family of Airmen who have demonstrated their prowess at making the most out of every AF dollar they touch. Ask not what your AF can do for your installation, but what YOU can do for it. Aim High--Fly Fight Win.

Col Weggeman, Spangdahlem AB Germany

2/17/2011 3:38:06 AM ET
After reading the below comments I'm sure there is a misconception about what this program is. While this award is titled the Installation excellence award we were not given 1M because our base is beautiful. The bases are judged on how well they perform their mission with what they have. It doesn't mean that we have the best infrastructure in the AF--on the contrary... If you have ever been to Spangdahlem you'll know that some of the buildings ARE some of the oldest in the Air Force. For example our fitness center IS the Air Force's oldest fitness center. I think this award might just have the incorrect name -- it really is an award for the hard work our Airmen, civilians, family members and local community put in every day to accomplish the awesome mission we have here at Spangdahlem.

Maj Torango, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 3:33:52 AM ET
I believe that all the members serving at Spangdahlem AB would agree that this 1M prize is well deserved. We are after all one of the, if not the most inspected wing in the USAF. We are also a base with some very old facilities. Yes we use these facilities daily regardless of being stationed in Germany. While most people can enjoy the indoor running tracks on their installations, we must brave the German winters for our run this is only one example. We have made the best of what we have for a long time and continue to do so. However we also fought hard to earn this title. To the members complaining over the prize and the selection, I encourage you to be the change that you want to see and encourage others around you to do the same. Do not reinforce your current path by merely voicing your negative viewpoints. Challenge yourselves to create better practices and positive outlooks. To the members offering congratulations thank you very much,

SSgt Shelle Butler, Spangdahlem AB

2/17/2011 3:19:46 AM ET
Thanks for the congratulations - I'd like to point out for all of the haters below that this award goes to the installation that does the most with what it has. Spangdahlem is not by any stretch one of the nicer bases in the Air Force. Our gym is old, our BX is the size of my house and all of our buildings look like monuments to the communist industrialism of the '70s. Spangdahlem Airmen worked extrememly hard to clean up our base and put our best face forward for the CINC Installation Excellence team. As the article above states the award goes to the base that effectively uses its resources to support the mission - NOT the base that has the most toys.

Jonathan Mills, Spangdahlem AB

2/17/2011 3:16:08 AM ET
These inspections are meant to keep everyone on top of their area/programs. Continuity is always changing so it's important to have such inspections. Seems that some people have misunderstood the headline of 'Best AF installation'. Read the 3rd/4th paragraph and you'll understand it was not about best looking/best stuff. Anyone who's been to Spangdahlem knows there's a lot that can be improved on...There also seems to be a serious case of cat scratch fever at Spang, and they can use all the money that they can get.

SSgt Keonine, Spangdahlem AB GE

2/17/2011 3:03:31 AM ET
First I would tell all of you who have not been to Spang that we are NOT the best looking, prettiest, most luxurious base in the AF. Not even remotely close. We didn't win this award because of that. Sure we tidied the base up in the leading days up to the team arrival, but it itself did not win us this award. The outstanding efforts of the people who operate and maintain Department of Defense installations and effectively use their resources to support the mission. Key in on the part about 'effectively use their resources to support the mission'. We basically do very well with what we have. I think the award is more-so a reflection of the people of the base who are resourceful enough to thrive in other than stellar gravy conditions. So as a result this award helps us improve on some items that might enable us to not have to work so hard to be so resourceful and resilient with what we have. Congrats Spang.

MSgt W. George, Spangdahlem AB

2/17/2011 2:35:46 AM ET
Something that people don't seem to understand is that Spang was not voted as the best base because they had the best facilities rather they were voted the best for what they do with their facilities and manpower. The 1M is a way to improve QoL for Airmen that prove they can do great things with the same as everyone else. If a base came in last it is because of them not doing enough above average not because their facilities were in poor condition. And to be honest, with government construction prices I don't think the 1M will go very far to improving QoL but it is better than nothing.

Corey, Italy

2/17/2011 2:04:19 AM ET
I think people are missing the point here. They are not being awarded for being the best base in the Air Force but for being the best at utilizing what they have and making the most of their resources. Anyone who has been to Spangdahlem knows that there really is not a whole lot there especially compared to those living in the KMC area of Germany. I would rather give a million dollars to a base that deserves it like Spang that will properly utilize the money than to trust giving it to an installation that might squander the money away. Great job Spang

SSgt F, Ali Base Iraq

2/17/2011 1:54:43 AM ET
One thing you all are missing is that the award is given to those bases that effectively use their resources. Sure we can give 1M to a CONUS base but throwing money at bases who don't make smart decisions about what they currently have doesn't help anyone.

RS, OCONUS

2/17/2011 1:45:32 AM ET
Is is fair to judge how the money should be spent if you haven't yourself spent 1 day on this base? Congrats to everyone who worked/lived at Spang over the past year. We worked hard and earned every single penny of the 1M.

TSgt Spang, Spang

2/17/2011 1:41:38 AM ET
For those of you who are in doubt about Spangdahlem deserving the money, please learn the facts about this base. We have an outdated gym, we do not have an indoor track, we don't have a full BX and we don't even have an operational dining faciltiy. This money will be used for an indoor track which is much needed in an area that has inclimate weather about 9 months out of the year. We're also located on the countryside where there are limited amount of places to go immediately off base. We won because the people on this base are dedicated to excellence and wanted to do eveything that they could to improve their living conditions. Spangdahlem deserves it.

SSgt Williams, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 1:32:10 AM ET
Ok really, we are going to complain about a base presenting themselves well? The Spangdahlem men and women were rewarded for more than just a pretty base. If this was for beauty plenty of other bases would have got it. If you knew anything about the award you would understand the criteria, and if you don't understand it then why post anything at all? Some ask that terrible bases should get the award for excellence or just some type of improvement award which to me makes no sense at all. You want to have polls or contests for this? Then we would just have a bunch of bases trying to look terrible for some money. How does that look on our integrity and morals? We reward the worst base? Not really clicking in my head but I guess I would be mad too if my base didn't win. I'm not trying to upset anyone but these comments seem illogical.

Edwin Fisher, Spangdahlem

2/17/2011 1:02:08 AM ET
Hey SSgt Sandoval, last time i checked billions of dollars was being given to other countries and companies like GM and banks. 1 million dollars to go to 5000 plus people at spangdahlem is deserved.

SSgt Lawson, spangdahlem

2/16/2011 8:31:59 PM ET
This award is given to the base that most effectively uses their resources to support the mission. That means that they make do with what they have. I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB from 2006 to 2009 and they are in need of that money. The place is falling apart I have pictures of Nazi standing outside of the dorms that I lived in. It's sort of like Dorm of the Quarter. It's given to the dorm that's the best taken care of which is almost never the nicest dorm.

SSgt W, Hickam AFB Hawaii

2/16/2011 8:21:48 PM ET
Anyone that has not been to spangdahlem does not understand the hardships faced by that overseas base. It is 30 min away from any civilized city, they dont have walmart to rely on like ALL STATESIDE BASES can. The base has gone through extensive renovations to included the shopette, medical faculity and gym. The commisary and BX are poorly stocked and often only recieve what the larger bases nearby have in excess. Having been stationed there from 07-'09 i saw how much the base changed in appearance and know how much the deserve the award and the money to help with the improvments the base NEEDS. To anyone that believes that the worst base should recieve more funding i ask this: why should we encouarge your base to continue its ways? Have some pride in your base. Being the best base in the AF does not always imply that it is the best looking. Spangdahlem is a dual fighter wing with an AMC passenger service and has some of the most dedicated airman around.

SrA Bednarek, DYESS AFB TX

2/16/2011 5:34:41 PM ET
After reading most of comments above with some exceptions of course all I can think of is two words... Stop Hating. Now don't get mad... I'm just joking but in all honestly we worked very hard preparing for this IEA and in the end we won. You would think that we have it all here but in reality we don't. We are far from the best in terms of facilities but what we do have is great leadership Believe me when I say that we can very much use funds to improve the QoL on this base. It may be hard to fathom especially if you've never been assigned here but you should trust my words due to the simple fact that I'm here every day and will be for the next three years. Hopefully I will get to see how this money positively impacts the Airman and their families because regardless of the title of this award... people is what this was really about. To conclude... salute to Col Weggeman, Team Spangdahlem and its 'Elite' Fire Department in leading us to victory. Have a great Air Force day.

TSgt Daniel A. Robinson, Spangdahlem AB

2/16/2011 4:53:42 PM ET
I agree with those who say give the money to the worst bases and let them make improvements. As a member of a Civil Engineer Squadron I know first hand the amount of money and time spent trying to win these awards. Maybe if there wasn't a money incentive to win, leadership could see the real condition of installations and not what they look like after putting lipstick on a pig. I do however congratulate the members of the 52d Fighter Wing and especially the members of the 52d Civil Engineer Squadron who I am sure worked long and hard with the lipstick tubes.

One-time 52FW member, US

2/16/2011 4:07:22 PM ET
Congratulations, Spangdahlem AB. But I'd have to agree with the comments about spending that money on the low-funded bases. Last I remember, the United States is still in debt. That money could have been well spent in our economy to create jobs.

SSgt Sandoval, Edwards AFB

2/16/2011 3:37:26 PM ET
The people make it the best base. Spangdahlem takes pride of their base. Just a simple picking up of trash laying around makes the base look better. Why reward the people that don't take care of their facilities. Spangdahlem You deserve it. I miss being there.

Stephen, Hawaii

2/16/2011 3:29:34 PM ET
Congrats to Spang and all those who were individually awarded. However, I have to agree with almost everyone on this forum. In a sense, it should be much like the NFL Draft. If your base was voted last it should have priority in receiving the money. It only makes sense that we want to have the best at every base. Of course not all bases are created equal in looks and location. Even dividing one million up two ways for the worst looking bases each year would make something work.

SSgt B, RAFB

2/16/2011 3:29:03 PM ET
Great job, Spang! Well deserved! I spent many years at the base and saw it change many times, always for the better. The $1M prize will go a long way to support the folks who spend so many months away from home. I hope they get something really nice to make being home that much better. It's great to see a team pull together: military, civilians, local nationals, awesome

Steve Bell, Holloman AFB NM

2/16/2011 2:52:53 PM ET
Congrats to them for their achievements but a prize like that for quality-of-life improvements should be given to a base like Cannon, not Spangdahlem.

Amn Jeffries, Cannon AFB NM

2/16/2011 2:25:16 PM ET
Congrats Spangdahlem AB

MSgt Pfister, JBER AK

2/16/2011 1:57:10 PM ET
With the current focus on fiscal restraint and manpower cuts I'm concerned that the AF still incentivizes this awards program. Shouldn't the recognition itself be reward enough Since this installation is already outstanding do they really need an additional 1M for QOL improvements

Keith, California

2/16/2011 1:23:40 PM ET
Awesome. Well deserved.

SrA Miller, Hill AFB

2/16/2011 1:07:44 PM ET
Does anyone else feel that giving the best installation in the Air Force 1 million dollars for improvements seems a little backwards? How about taking a survey of the worst installations in the AF and giving the money to a base that is really hurting for improvements. It's Germany. Who really hangs out on base anyway?

TSgt Snuffy, NC

2/16/2011 12:32:36 PM ET
Shouldn't the worst base in the AF inventory get $1,000,000 for quality of life projects?

outside the box, Minot

2/16/2011 12:19:15 PM ET
I always wondered why the Best get money. Why would you not give the worst the money so they could get better Just food for thought for AF leadership.

Jr, Edwards

2/16/2011 11:52:08 AM ET
So lets give 1 million for quality-of-life improvements to the best base in the Air Force. This seems like a case of fraud, waste, and abuse. Why not give this money to bases that need improvements in their living conditions. Or better, keep the money and let someone who wants to stay in the Air Force stay in instead of forcing them out. Seems that with all the budget cutbacks we are having in the defense budget we shouldn't be spending this money on something that doesn't need improvements. We waste so much money in the Air Force it is disgusting. If the public found out about all the money we waste on paying a civilian when its cheaper to pay a military member to do the same job, things would start to change.

Joey Smith, Lackland AFB

2/16/2011 10:54:35 AM ET
Curious about the criteria for this award. Seems that the bases on the opposite end of the spectrum would need money for improvements. If you give the Excellence Award along with $1 Million for improvements doesn't that seem like an unfair advantage to repeat as winner in the future. I'm sure there's much about this award criteria I'm overlooking but as they say, perception is everything

MSgt Chris Tellis, Louisville KY

2/16/2011 10:41:37 AM ET
I applaud the men and women at Spang for winning this award but shouldn't the money be given to the base that needs quality-of-life improvements the most?

Danny, RAFL

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