KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- In the Indo-Pacific, where the mission never stops, readiness begins with something simple: a meal.
At Kadena Air Base, The 718th Force Support Squadron’s food service professionals at the Marshall Dining Facility from Kadena Air Base have been named finalists for the John L. Hennessy Award, one of the Air Force’s highest honors recognizing excellence in food service operations.
The award, which honors the best food service programs across the force, highlights units that demonstrate exceptional mission support, resource management, and customer service.
Selection as a finalist underscores the 718th FSS team’s ability to sustain operations and morale for the Air Force’s largest combat wing, where fueling Airmen is just as vital as fueling aircraft.
“This is a huge deal for our team,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Bryan Bosques Gonzalez, 718th FSS food service officer in charge. “Being selected shows the caliber of professionals we have here and the pride they take in supporting the mission.”
The dining facility serves hundreds of meals daily across breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight meals, ensuring Airmen have consistent access to nutritious food regardless of mission demands.
Specialty meal options, including themed and specialty bars, have also increased customer engagement and morale.
Every day, the Marshall Dining Facility team serves hundreds of Airmen — from early-morning breakfast to late-night meals — ensuring no shift or sortie goes unsupported. In a 24/7 operating environment like Kadena, where aircraft, maintenance crews, and support personnel sustain continuous operations, consistent access to nutritious meals directly contributes to readiness.
“Being considered for this award shows that we’re doing things right,” said Airman 1st Class Itzel Cruz-Sanchez, 718th FSS food service member. “It’s exciting to see our hard work recognized.”
The team’s efforts go beyond efficiency. Creative meal options, themed food bars, and holiday events have turned the Marshall Dining Facility into a morale hub — a small taste of home for Airmen stationed thousands of miles away.
Operating overseas presents unique challenges, from supply chain logistics to staffing shortfalls. Yet, through teamwork, innovation, and close coordination with local national employees, the 718th FSS has continued to adapt and thrive.
Their support extends beyond Kadena’s gates, too. The facility provides meals for joint partners, transient units, and contingency operations — including aeromedical evacuation crews supporting humanitarian and emergency missions across the Pacific.
“Every plate we serve plays a role in the bigger picture,” said Gonzalez. “We’re supporting Airmen who are on alert, in the air, or preparing to deploy. When they’re fueled, they’re ready — and that readiness is what keeps this region stable.”
The John L. Hennessy Award evaluation phase will soon bring inspectors to Kadena, but for the 718th FSS, the recognition itself is a reflection of their daily standard: excellence under pressure.
As the team continues to serve those who serve, their mission remains clear: keep Airmen fed, focused, and ready to defend the Indo-Pacific.