“This award recognizes culinary excellence, and I commend this team for exceeding the industry’s demanding standards.”
— Col. Eric P. Shirley
By Sgt. Gregory T. Summers
4th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office, 4th Infantry Division
The Phillip A. Connelly Award for Excellence in Food Service Operations, which recognizes the best in overall dining facility operations throughout the Army, was presented to the Warfighter Dining Facility Nov. 3, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)
The U.S. Army Sustainment Command sent a commander to Fort Carson’s Warfighter Dining Facility (DFAC) Nov. 3, 2016, to present its team with the Phillip A. Connelly Award for the best garrison dining facility.
The Warfighter DFAC, a team effort of culinary specialists assigned to 4th Combat Aviation Brigade and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, both part of the 4th Infantry Division, competed in the regional competition in August 2016 after advancing from the Mountain Post’s local competition in June 2016.
“I am proud to present the first place award to Fort Carson’s Warfighter Dining Facility,” said Col. Eric P. Shirley, commander, 407th Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB), U.S. Army Sustainment Command. “This award recognizes culinary excellence, and I commend this team for exceeding the industry’s demanding standards.”
The Phillip A. Connelly Award for Excellence in Food Service Operations recognizes the best in overall dining facility operations throughout the Army. With the best garrison award earned, the Warfighter DFAC team now advances to compete for the overall Department of the Army award in February.
“I am very proud of this team and all of (its) hard work and dedication,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 David W. Geier, brigade food service adviser, 4th CAB. “Winning this award is huge and gives us the opportunity to continue to raise our standards and work even harder in the upcoming months.”
Col. Christopher T. Donahue, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, congratulated the team for rising above the other dining facilities within the 407th AFSB’s region, which includes Fort Carson, Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas, and those at Fort Riley, Kansas.
“On behalf of all leaders of Fort Carson and 4th Infantry Division, we congratulate you and are extremely proud of your accomplishments,” Donahue said during the ceremony. “Winning this award is a big deal, and with your high standards, you are very deserving.”
According to Geier, the award is a result of dedication to excellence and teamwork, both recurring themes for Soldiers of both brigades running the dining facility during the competition.
“We are truly the team of teams, and complement each other every day with every task for every meal,” Geier said. “This competition has made us all better and has raised our high standards even higher. We are focused and looking forward to competing and winning at the next level.”
The Warfighter Dining Facility staff celebrates wining the Phillip A. Connelly Award for Excellence in Food Service Operations Nov. 3, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers)