Kadena FSS agencies named best, brightest

  • Published
  • By Nicole Williams
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  And the winner is ... Kadena Air Base!'

Each year Stars and Stripes asks readers to name the best places to eat, drink, shop and relax in the Pacific theatre.

The people have spoken, the votes are tallied and according to the 2011 Stars and Stripes publication of the "Best of the Pacific," Kadena Air Base is a definite crowd favorite.

"18th FSS has knocked it way out of the park, again," said Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander. "Hence, I call them the 'World Famous 18 FSS.' No one comes close."

During this year's six-week voting campaign, subscribers of Stars and Stripes were asked to vote for their favorite locales by submitting either a printed ballot found within their newspaper, or an electronic one located on the Stars and Stripes website.

"Although the voting is open to anyone, only one vote per person was accepted," said Shawn Johnnides, Stars and Stripes Marketing/Pacific.

After tallying several hundred votes for the Pacific region it became clear that subscribers consider Kadena to be one of the best, especially since Kadena walked away with a win in every award category they were eligible for.

"For those of you who aren't familiar with the Stars and Stripes Best of the Pacific, every year Stars and Stripes conducts a survey asking readers to name their choices for the best service provider in a variety of categories," said Col. Michael Borgert, 18th Force Support Squadron commander. "Some of the categories are limited to on-base establishments, others to off-base establishments, and some are open to anything island-wide. That means you [18th FSS services and facilities] are competing against Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as the numerous off-base establishments that do the same things we do. That's some stiff competition. And although some of our competition has nicer facilities than ours, we won in every case. That comes down to taking care of people. Way to go!"

Voters recognized Kadena in the following categories for establishments located on Okinawa:

Best In-Country Getaway Off Base - Okuma Recreation Facility
Best Morale, Welfare and Recreation Golf Course - Banyan Tree Golf Course
Best MWR Bowling - Emery Lanes
Best MWR Fitness Center- Risner Fitness Center
Best MWR Outdoor Recreation - Kadena Outdoor Rec
Best Travel Agency - Kadena ITT
Best On-Base Lodging - Shogun Inn
Best Enlisted Club - Rocker NCO Club
Best Officers' Club - Kadena Officers' Club
Best Restaurant - Jack's Place

Last but not least was Borgert's personal favorite, "Best 'other' MWR facility," where Kadena, in its entirety, was recognized as providing the best.

"While 'Kadena' received the most votes, they were followed by Kadena Marina, Arts and Crafts on Kadena, the bowling center, kennels, etc.," according to Stars and Stripes. "Kadena's Force Support Squadron is not only doing a lot, they are also doing it very well. And that makes them the best of the Pacific."

With an endorsement like that, it's no wonder Borgert exclaimed in a recent e-mail to Team FSS, "You all are awesome!"