Community Activities Center wins AFRC award Published April 5, 2017 By Senior Airman Joshua Kincaid 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The first weekend of the month has come. Citizen Airmen wake up early Saturday morning, put on their uniforms, leave their loved ones and report here for the monthly Unit Training Assembly. They arrive in their offices and often head to breakfast as a team. Sometimes thoughts of home creep in and many may begin to miss their families. Time away from home is not always easy for 910th Airlift Wing Citizen Airmen, but there is a team at the YARS Community Activities Center (CAC) here which works tirelessly to provide a measure of comfort and a small touch of home. “We try to make every meal feel like a special event,” said Nancy Rubino, Chief of the 910th Force Support Squadron (FSS) Sustainment Services Flight (SSF). “We’re here to provide a certain quality of life. We want to be your home away from home.” This team’s selfless work has garnered national recognition from Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). The team, led by CAC Manager Dale Novello, won the 2016 AFRC Award for Food Operations Program of the Year. The CAC team was recognized for this achievement during a 910th FSS commander’s call held at the facility here, April 2, 2017. Rubino described what their team did to achieve the award. “Build a team and people that are passionate about food,” said Rubino. “Service has to be in you, along with a good attitude in public service. Love what you do, and do what you love.” This simple culture of caring snowballed into a year of amazing accomplishments such as a 26.5 percent increase in revenue, a six percent increase in the amount of meals served, and hosting more than 30 social events at the CAC. “Creativity, passion and having fun have been the keys to our improvement,” said Novello. “The team has been able to right the ship and change the whole culture. Word of mouth has caught on and has resulted in increased dining and increased revenue.” The team received an email from AFRC telling them about their nationally recognized work and what is coming next. “We wish our nominees all the best as they compete against the ‘Best of the Best’ from every MAJCOM (Major Command) throughout our great Air Force,” wrote Col. Anne B. Gunter, AFRC Director of Manpower, Personnel and Services. Rubino and the team have received this national recognition, but vow not to become complacent. “We’re always looking for opportunities,” said Rubino. “The award is nice, but we must continue to look to improve. Creating an experience and memories for service members every month is our main goal.”