We asked a few of our Hennessy Travelers for their insights into the program and its impact on SHFM. Jim Wulforst and Tony Kaszuba, Past Presidents and multi -year travelers, along with Dick Hynes and Mike Johnston, long term SHFM Members and multi-year travelers offered those insights.
What is the Military Base Evaluator Program and how does SHFM support it?
( From the desk of Jim Wulforst, Past President )
For as long as I can remember, SHFM has served an integral role in supporting the USAF Hennessy Evaluation program (now Military Base Evaluator Program). I first traveled in 2002 and now have 10 trips under my belt. When I first traveled it was for the USAF…as a Hennessy Evaluator. Today every branch of the military has an evaluation program quite like the Hennessy. Two of my ten trips were for the USARMY as a Connelly Evaluator. I have not traveled for the US Marine Corp or the US Navy but know many of my foodservice counterparts (and members of SHFM) have done so.
The purpose of these programs is three-fold: 1- Identify top performing military food service operations and select “the best of the best.” 2.- Identify individuals as “top performers” in their operations and award them with a certificate AND invite to culinary training at the CIA. 3- Serve as a morale booster for staff and leadership of the bases visited. The cost of airfare, hotels, and expenses for the evaluators is borne by SHFM and the NRAEF These expenses can be significant. Tours can range from 10-25 days and the evaluation process takes 2-3 days to complete for each base.
The experience for a civilian to travel with the military and participate in the evaluator process is extraordinary, but insignificant when you consider the value civilian evaluators bring to the table for the military. The program incentivizes the military staff to perform at peak levels knowing they have an opportunity to shine while in the presence of a food service dignitary AND POTENTIALLY lead to employment opportunities after a military career. At the same time those staff members tend to provide exceptional food before and after the evaluation process; and that by itself boosts morale for their peers on a day-to-day basis.