Evaluation takes place at Spangdahlem for IEA Award Published Jan. 26, 2011 By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Saber Airmen filled the Club Eifel Ballroom to welcome Installation Excellence Award Selection Board evaluators before kicking off a two-day evaluation of Spangdahlem AB Jan. 25. The evaluators are here for the Air Force's Installation Excellence and Special Recognition Award to determine if the base will win the Department of Defense-level award and earn Spangdahlem $1 million. Spangdahlem and Travis Air Force Base, Calif., are the two finalists for the prestigious award. The first place winner will receive the $1 million grand prize, and the runner up will earn $500,000. "First of all, on behalf of the DoD and headquarters of the Air Force, I want to congratulate you on being a finalist for this very wonderful award," said Maj. Gen. Anita Gallentine, team lead for IEA evaluators. "We are honored by this reception and very honored to be here. You are already winners." The general explained her evaluation team should not to be confused with an inspection team. "The team here, for the next couple of days, is here to listen, and see anything you want to show us," she said. While Spangdahlem has been gearing up for the evaluation for some time, Col. Christopher Weggeman, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, is most excited for the team to meet his Airmen. "I am extremely excited and can't wait to watch our Saber's contagious enthusiasm infatuate the five visiting team members as they all behold the power of our Saber team in action," Colonel Weggeman said. "I am so proud of all our Sabers and receive endless inspiration and satisfaction watching them tell their stories." The first stop of many for the general was the fire house, where one Airman felt privileged to tell his story. "Having the general come recognize us as one of the top two bases in the whole Air Force is special," said Staff Sgt. Gary Day, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department NCO in charge of logistics. "This is what we do every day, and it was a great for us to be able to tell our story. "I'm glad she is taking the time out of her day to see what the Airmen provide for the mission," Sergeant Day said. "We have worked very hard this past year." Hard work is what got the base to this position -- an entire base effort. "We've specifically put the full spectrum of our Saber family on display for the visiting IEA team to behold; officers, chiefs, NCOs, Airmen, civilians, spouses and their children," Colonel Weggeman said. "Their faces, their smiles, their enthusiasm is what the team must see because that's what sets Spangdahlem apart and makes us the best installation in the Air Force... our Sabers are the real deal. Outstanding Airmen are what make our installation outstanding." The IEA team will evaluate for two days and vote as a team before they depart Spangdahlem. The winner will then be processed through the DoD and is scheduled to be announced in March. The winning installation will be allowed to send chosen airmen, family members and civilians to Washington, D.C., to receive the award and check for $1 million.