Manager leads team to second AFSC Innkeeper Award Published June 19, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Wesley Carter 30th Space Wing Public Affairs VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Walking through the lodging bedroom, he checks for the most minute imperfections; from the baseboards to the ceiling, from the foot of the bed to the mint on the pillow, Hank Williams inspects to ensure the quality of the room. The Vandenberg Lodge manager heads up a team that is no stranger to success. For the second consecutive year, the Vandenberg Lodge has won the Air Force Space Command Innkeeper Award. With over 300 rooms, the Vandenberg Lodge is not just a hotel. The security they provide is an essential part of the Vandenberg and Air Force mission. "We allow people not to have to worry about their sleeping conditions or whether their family is safe, which helps them focus on their job," Mr. Williams said. After serving 23 years in lodging, Mr. Williams said the Air Force has changed but his motivation to work hasn't. He will stay behind the projects he starts until they are completed to a very high standard, said Fiona Dennler, a desk clerk at the Vandenberg Lodge. "Mr. Williams has been very vital in working with the staff as we have gone through periods of being shorthanded," Ms. Dennler said. Since he joined the team as the Vandenberg lodge manager last October, Mr. Williams uses a 'hands on approach' to help and to mentor the staff. "You can't run a lodge from behind a desk," Mr. Williams said. "You have to get out and get to know your people." Although Mr. Williams' ideas on helping people allow the lodge to run smoothly he attributes the success to others. "The housekeepers and the people at the front desk are the most important people in the business," Mr. Williams said. "You can't run a lodge without them." The lodging manager made it clear that this award was won because of the bases support. "We can't do anything without the guys from civil engineering and communications," Mr. Williams said. "Security forces showing up if there is an incident, this award was won by the entire base." The lodging staff is not ready to close the door to the trophy case just yet. Since winning the command level innkeeper award, the lodge will compete for the Air Force wide award. Inspections for the Air Force Innkeeper will be July 12 - 14. To learn more about the lodge or how to book a room click here.