Two AF lodging supporters earn first commander's service award

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Gina M. Vaccaro
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
The Department of the Air Force presented the first Commander's Award for Public Service to Joseph McInerney and Joseph Spinnato at a ceremony in New York City in November 2008.

The Commander's Award for Public Service recognizes outstanding contributions to the quality of life of the Armed Forces. The award was presented to Mr. McInerney, president and chief executive officer of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, referred to as AH&LA, and Mr. Spinnato, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City Inc., for their collaboration with Air Force Inns and their continued support of the Air Force Innkeeper Awards banquet.

"Mr. Spinnato and Mr. McInerney and the AH&LA have been pivotal in the progression of the Air Force Lodging program," said Kevin Norton, facilities branch chief, headquarters Air Force Services Agency, lodging division. "Their organizations have shown dedicated support to the Air Force. In fact, the AH & LA has sponsored the Air Force Innkeeper Awards program since 1986."

The Air Force Annual Worldwide Lodging Managers Conference and the Air Force Innkeeper's Awards Banquet are held in conjunction with the International Hotel/Motel Restaurant Show each year. Mr. Spinnato's and Mr. McInerney's organizations sponsor the IH/M&RS and have aided and supported Air Force participation in the event.

"The American Hotel & Lodging Association has had a long-term relationship with the Air Force through their participation in the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show," Mr. McInerney said. He added that his organization aids in inspecting installations to determine award recipients for the Annual Air Force Innkeeper Awards.

Both award recipients are longtime supporters of the Air Force Innkeeper Awards. The AH&LA co-sponsors the annual Air Force Innkeepers Traveler's Award that recognizes the individual at his installation who exemplifies the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail. By allowing the Air Force to host its conference and award ceremony during the IH/M&RS each year, Mr. Spinnato and Mr. McInerney have ensured that the Air Force has had the opportunity to highlight their programs and people on an international level.

Lt. Gen. Richard Newton, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel, headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Art Myers, Air Force Services director, surprised Mr. Spinnato and Mr. McInerney with the Commander's Award for Public Service during the presentation of the annual Air Force Innkeepers awards.

"I was very surprised, honored, and most appreciative to be the recipient of the first Commander's Award for Public Service with Joe Spinnato," Mr. McInerney said. "Receiving the award personally from General Newton and Mr. Art Myers was a distinct privilege in itself."

This award has its origins in the U.S. Army and may only be awarded to civilians not employed by the Air Force or Air Force contractors and is given to recognize service or achievements that contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the Air Force mission.

"This is a significant event, not only for the importance of the award and for the quality of its recipients, but because it is the first one of its kind in the Air Force," added Mr. Norton, who was Master of Ceremonies at the event.

The 2008 Innkeeper Award presentation celebrated the Air Force's 12th straight year of participating with the International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show.

"I look forward each year to participating in the formal awards ceremony as the enthusiasm and spirit of men and women receiving the awards are exceptional," Mr. McInerney said of the Air Force Innkeeper Awards. "It makes me proud of what they do for the Air Force, and for our country."

For more information about Air Force Services, visit http://www.afsv.af.mil/.