Competitive inspection produces best quarters

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Someone unexpectedly visits the job site and you're singled out by enlisted leadership. For a minute, different ideas on why they've made a special visit to you cross your mind. Your adrenaline pumps and you're prepared to handle whatever denouncement that's about to be made. Instead, you're greeted with a smile, handshake and certificate for a job well done.

For two Airmen in particular, this unexpected visit heralded not only accolades from the 96th Air Base Wing and 46th Test Wing command chiefs but also spotlighted their dedication to excellence in the maintenance of their living quarters. The Room of the Quarter is a traditional recognition program which was recently rekindled by Eglin command chiefs and first sergeants.

"The premise of the Room of the Quarter is leadership cares about how they maintain the little real estate that was given to their care and wanted to see that Airmen were taking pride in their living quarters," said Chief Master Sgt. Troy Engholm, 96 ABW Command Chief. "And, while dorm inspections usually signal something negative, we also wanted to highlight the positive and those who excel in taking care of their homes."

Airman 1st Class Cassie Payne, 96th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, won for the 96th ABW while Airman 1st Class Constance Dietrich, 46th Operations Support Squadron won for the 46th Test Squadron. Room of the Quarter award recognizes Airman who have gone above and beyond keeping their room tidy.

The dormitory inspections and subsequent awards not only help recognize those who take extreme pride in their homes but also foster a sense of community and maintaining health standards.

"Meeting dorm room standards is important and vital in promoting the health and welfare of our Airmen," said Master Sgt. Jeff Bridgman, 96th Communication Group first sergeant. "Furthermore, upholding dorm room standards displays a characteristic in Airmen with respect for his fellow Airmen and dorm residents."

In addition to holding the title of Room of Quarter, the Airmen were awarded a one-day pass and other incentives including Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift certificate.

The recipients of the award will be selected every quarter. Upon routine inspection of the dormitories, first sergeants will nominate who have excelled in cleanliness and creating a habitable living space. The nominated rooms will then be graded by the respective command chief. The next quarterly awards inspection is July 8. The program is designed to motivate individuals to keep their billets in top condition as well as recognize those who have self-pride.

"While a majority (of Airmen) are doing an excellent job in keeping their areas clean, we wanted to recognize those who are exceptional," said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Newman, 46th TW Command Chief. "I look forward to the next judging cycle."