Elmendorf force support squadron earns LeMay award

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska (AFNS) --  The 673rd Force Support Squadron earned the Air Force Curtis E. LeMay award for best large installation-level FSS of the year in the Air Force for 2014.

The award recognizes the 673rd FSS leadership, customer service, support and quality-of-life programs provided to joint military members and their families.

The accolade is split into two categories; large bases, with more than 6,000 military and civilian personnel, and small bases, which have fewer than 6,000 personnel. Competition was stiff, with 80 squadrons competing Air Force-wide for the title "best large installation" FSS.

"It's truly an honor for the (673rd) FSS to win this award," said Lt. Col. Christopher Busque, the 673rd FSS commander.

The 673rd FSS is a diverse squadron with members who work hard to manage a multifaceted mission that includes providing lodging, child care, recreation, mortuary affairs, and much more to Elmendorf-Richardson personnel and their families.

Busque said executing the 673rd FSS's mission is a great achievement and couldn't be accomplished without the Airmen and civilians dedicated to running daily operations.

"It takes a special kind of person who is willing to be that frontline service provider, whether that's in the child development center taking care of kids or in the dining facility serving food," he said.

Senior Airman Kevin Brown, a 673rd FSS career development technician, exhibits the qualities and characteristics that are representative of the team. Brown was recognized as FSS Airman of the Year at squadron, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Force levels.

"It was a team effort," Brown said. "Leadership provided the opportunities and the team took advantage of them. It's a great feeling to be recognized, and it shows that all our hard work and determination paid off in the end."

Busque said the 673rd FSS motto is 'Proud to serve,' and his squadron clearly delivered by way of exceptional services.

"We truly are able to do great things and will continue to do great things," Busque said. "This is not the destination, this is still the journey. We are still looking for things to do and how to improve so as to better support the men and women of JBER.

"I would like to say that I am so proud to be part of this team, and it's important to note that I got here midway through the award period and this award is not about me, it's about the men and women of the FSS," Busque said. "It's a great honor to be associated with this great team and I would like to thank them for all the hard work they do on a daily basis."