AF Services civilian named IMFA Gold Plate winner Published June 9, 2011 By Erin Tindell Air Force Manpower, Personnel and Services Public Affairs CHICAGO -- The Department of Defense made history in the foodservice industry May 23 when an Air Force civilian was named the 2011 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Gold Plate winner. George Miller, Air Force Services Agency food and beverage operations chief, is the first military member to receive the 56-year-old award that annually recognizes the best foodservice operator worldwide. The award was presented during the National Restaurant Association events held in conjunction with the Air Force Hennessy Awards May 20-24 in Chicago. As a precursor to his gold plate selection, Miller was honored as one of nine 2011 Silver Plate winners from around the world honored for their achievements within the food industry. Other Silver Plate nominees included food industry executives from popular chain restaurants and foodservice companies worldwide. According to Miller, winning the award was not only a testament to his own achievements, but also to the dedicated Airmen who ensure the force is fed at dining facilities and deployed locations across the globe. "The award wasn't for George Miller," he said. "It was an award to recognize all Air Force foodservice personnel and how the team takes care of our Airmen and families." During his acceptance speech Miller thanked foodservice manufacturer Hobart Corp. for nominating him. He also thanked his wife of 47 years, Mary, for "putting up with me and moving around the world with me." The retired Air Force chief master sergeant manages the Air Force food and beverage program, which includes combat and nonappropriated fund feeding across the Air Force. He manages an annual budget of nearly $400 million, 556 food operations worldwide and ensures 255,000 meals are served daily. Miller spent 30 years on active duty within the Air Force foodservice career field, starting as a cook and ultimately managing foodservice operations for major commands. Miller joined the Air Force Services Agency in 1996. He helped develop a centralized foodservice management system that allows personnel to quickly determine foodservice capabilities in locations worldwide. Miller is also instrumental in the management of the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative, a pilot program designed to provide Airmen with improved food quality, variety and availability while maintaining home station and warfighting capabilities. Through this initiative customers served have increased by 22 percent and essential feeding meal card holders have increased the amount of meals they eat at the six pilot locations by 24 percent. For more information about Air Force foodservice operations and other quality of life programs, visit www.usafservices.com or www.myairforcelife.com.