Olé LeMay: SVS wraps up AF-level ‘LeMay’ visit Published April 15, 2008 By Margie Arnold 21st Services Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Between April 7 and 11, Olé LeMay! was the cry heard from the 21st Services Squadron. From the moment the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay team arrived at Peterson the unit worked to exhibit a festive spirit, camaraderie and excellent standards to wow and amaze the inspectors. At the April 8 in brief, Col. Herman Jett, LeMay team lead inspector, spoke to an enthusiastic 21st Space Wing crowd. "We just arrived but already the visit has been packed with firsts," Colonel Jett said. "This was the first time someone passed through airport security to meet us at the gate and there was another group who met us at in the terminal. We had a police escort on base, enthusiastic folks lined the street and cheered, and even the Honor Guard was there for a presentation. You have definitely raised the bar." "The support the squadron received from the base was phenomenal," Maj. Mike Marvich, 21st Services Squadron commander said. "Airmen were out cheering the team on and making them feel like a member of the 21st Space Wing themselves. They were amazed by the positive atmosphere at Peterson and truly impressed by the entire team's approach to successful mission completion." The LeMay week was packed with special events, beginning with an April 7 icebreaker at the base club. The event, attended by wing leadership, was amplified with the visiting team's Latin theme including authentic food and salsa music combined with impromptu salsa dance instruction. The LeMay team also visited each of the 21st SVS's facilities. From the Aragon Dining Facility and High Frontier Honor Guard to the Pikes Peak Lodge and Silver Spruce Golf Course, the squadron worked to impress the team with each of its respective sections. The High Frontier Honor Guard conducted a mock funeral, complete with an honorary flag-folding ceremony in the base chapel. The Silver Spruce Golf Course offered the inspection team with a spectrum of quality programs, customer service and a first-class course. The Pikes Peak Lodge also worked to wow the inspectors by showing off the lodge's special distinguished visitors they accommodate on a regular basis, from the president of the United States to military officials and other dignitaries. During the out brief, Colonel Jett remarked that lodging was a highly-efficient group that resulted from its good leadership, referring to lodging director, Joey Sanchez. The Aragon Dining Facility also hosted its quarterly birthday meal for the LeMay team. Team member Capt. Christina Martin celebrated her own birthday during the meal, later remarking that the event made her birthday a memorable one. During the April 11 out brief, Colonel Jett spoke for the team, saying they experienced firsts throughout their visit to Peterson and continued to be surprised, delighted and impressed with what they saw. "We have selected not one or two but four activities that just shined and whose programs are outstanding," Colonel Jett said. He then presented certificates to the four: High Frontier Honor Guard, Pikes Peak Lodge, Silver Spruce Golf Course and the Aragon Dining Facility. Colonel Jett also said the LeMay team named numerous 'best practices' in Services, and had certificates for individuals who stood out above their peers. "You should hear by mid-May who the winner of the LeMay Award is," the colonel added. "As I said at the in brief, the results of your customer survey will be added to the results of our visit. We have several more bases to visit, but we want to say that you have done an outstanding job." Dan Schofield, 21st SVS deputy director, said the squadron continually raised the bar time and time again during the visit. "At the in brief, Colonel Jett told us that we had raised the bar," Mr. Schofield said. "It's a tribute to the (21st Space) Wing, (21st Mission Support) Group and especially our 21st Services (Squadron) professionals!"