Hill AFB, community shine during IEA visit

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Hill AFB and the local community had the chance to shine and highlight their relationship during the Installation Excellence Award Team visit Jan. 30-Feb. 1.

The IEA four-member selection board arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport Jan. 30 where more than 100 people were waiting to greet the team, including a cheer leading squad and band members from Layton, High School, and some local professional sports team mascots.

The team arrived at the South Gate to another huge show of hospitality as hundreds of Hill AFB Airmen lined South Gate Avenue holding signs and waving flags. The IEA Team then attended an ice breaker at the Hill AFB Museum. In addition to Maj. Gen. Kathleen Close, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander, and Col. Linda Medler, 75th Air Base Wing commander, Congressman Rob Bishop was at the icebreaker to talk with the IEA Team.

"The community support, like always, was incredible," said Colonel Medler. "I think the team was able to see the real cooperation between the base and surrounding communities. We know Team Hill is the best in the Air Force, and we did a great job of showing the team that."

From the early morning hours of Jan. 31 through the afternoon of Feb. 1, the team was shown all aspects of Hill AFB. Among many other things, the team was treated to breakfast with Airmen at the Hillcrest Dining Facility, a tour of Service's facilities, a 388th Fighter Wing mission briefing and a tour of the Youth Center.

The mission at Hill AFB is more complex than the team expected, said Col. David Allvin, IEA Board team member and 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, Altus Air Force Base, Okla. During his tour of the OO-ALC Contracting Office, Colonel Allvin said there is an incredible focus on the warfighter, leading the way on initiatives, while enhancing mission capability.

Maj. Gen. Mark Anderson, IEA Board team leader and Deputy Chief of Staff. Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters Air Force, was also impressed with Hill AFB. He said Team Hill has an outstanding group of folks here. During the out briefing, General Anderson said he only has good news to report.

The team departed early in the morning on Feb. 2. The results of the IEA Board should be released in March with the presentation of the 2008 Commander in Chief Installation Excellence Award on May 8. Either Hill AFB or Dover Air Force Base, Del., will be announced as the best base in the Air Force. The winning base will receive $1 million to spend on quality of life issues. The second place base will receive $500,000.

"You provided your best and brightest, and it showed throughout the visit," said Colonel Medler. "Thank you for talking precious time away from your daily high ops tempo to support the 75th ABW and Team Hill in showing the IESB why we are America's best!"