Arctic facility team named best in AF

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Elmendorf's 3rd Medical Group facility team received the 2009 Air Force Facilities Team of the Year award Aug. 5 at the Air Forces Facility Management Symposium in Anaheim, Calif. 

This was the first year for this award, and Elmendorf was recognized over 14 other Air Force hospitals and medical centers. 

"It's always nice to get an award, but it's really nice to be recognized in front of your peers," said Jeff Liddle, 3rd MDG hospital engineer. 

Liddle said that his facility team, roughly 70 people, is responsible for housekeeping, facility maintenance and hospital security. 

"We operate and maintain the hospital, making sure utilities are in good order. We make repairs, do construction and maintain a safe environment," Liddle said. 

According to Liddle, the protection plan to prevent ash fall in the hospitals air intakes, was one of the major reasons Liddle said he felt his team won. His team and other groups around the Air Force always have prevention plans, but very seldom do they have a real world event and execute the plan. 

"Everyone is very professional and self motivated to do a good job," said Bill Friars, facility management superintendent. "I think it's great that we've been recognized." 

Friars is responsible for ensuring everyone on the facility management team has what they need to do an efficient job. 

"I think we're on the right track for maintaining a hospital," said Liddle. "We have a great team. It's a good meld of people who are not afraid to take on a task that is not in their job description. The mission of the 3rd Medical Group changes regularly. The personnel we have are, fortunately, flexible enough to go along with the flow of the mission."