Satellite Dish wins in space

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Naomi Griego
  • 50th Space Wing Public Affairs
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Rain or shine, sleet or snow, the Satellite Dish dining facility feeds nearly 1,200 people every day. Recently that effort has been recognized as the best in space, Air Force Space Command that is.

The Dish recently received the 2014 AFSPC Hennessy award. They will be competing at the Air Force level with an upcoming visit from the Air Force Hennessy Inspection Team Feb. 13-14.

There is a significant amount of attention to detail that goes into the dining facility on a daily basis, according to Thea Wasche, 50th Force Support Squadron deputy commander. Down to the temperature of the water being used to wash dishes, nothing goes overlooked.  And that means everyone plays an essential role.

"It really is a team effort," said Wasche. "From the contractors who run the facility to leadership who provide support to the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron who maintain the facility, everybody plays a part."

The dining facility is unique in that it is a full food service contract run by a Randolph-Sheppard contract as opposed to a mess attendant where military runs the dining facility, said Wasche.

Although you won't see military members behind the counter at the dining facility, you will see a slew of military and civilians eating there.

"You just can't beat the price and quality," added Wasche. "I mean where else can you get a salad for a dollar?"

The 50 FSS is dedicated to improving the service and food of the facility all while being as creative as possible, given the Air Force guidelines. They are also expanding their hours to better serve their customers. Beginning March 15, the Dish will begin offering a midnight meal option from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. The meals will consist of made-to-order cold sandwiches, grab-n-go salads and hot soup. 

"The food is great," said Karen Draper, 50 FSS Sustainment Services Flight chief. "And over the last few years, we have been teaming up with a local university nutrition department to help us go one step further."

According to Draper, it is the work behind the scenes that enables the Dish to be successful.

And that hard work hasn't gone unnoticed.

"The food at the Satellite Dining Facility is, hands down, the best dining food I have ever eaten," said Maj. Justin Long, 50 FSS commander. "I get the same feedback from distinguished visitors as well."

According to Long, the dining facility is one of his highest priorities.

"Providing proper feeding for the members of Schriever Air Force Base is of the utmost importance," said Long.

He added that the dining facility is beyond deserving of its recognition.

"I am extremely proud of the team," said Long. "This award is a great honor."