NAS Lemoore Navy Lodge Earns Carlson Award

LEMOORE, Calif. (NNS) -- The Navy Lodge staff at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore was awarded the 2009 Edward E. Carlson Award, large category, in a ceremony in Lemoore, Calif., June 10.

The Edward E. Carlson Award was established to recognize the Navy Lodges' excellent performance in operations and customer service.

Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) presents this award annually to Navy Lodges that demonstrate superior performance throughout the year.

"You are the best of the best," Capt. Ed Spillman, deputy commander Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), told the staff during a ceremony in the Navy Lodge's courtyard. "This award is a testament to your good hearts, hospitality and attention to detail."

The NAS Lemoore Navy Lodge is no stranger to the Carlson award. The lodge also received the award in 1987 and 2002. The new general manager believes a high rating in its associate satisfaction area was a factor in her facility receiving the prestigious award.

"I'm excited for this property and earning this award shows the dedication of our staff," said Mary Ann Collier, general manager. "We have zero turn over and many of our staff members have been here for more than 10 years. There's an excellent team in place."

Collier's team exists of 16 employees who are responsible for everything at the 72-room facility from housekeeping to landscaping. Nearly 14,000 guests stayed at NAS Lemoore's Navy Lodge in 2009 where the associates try to make their guests feel like they're home.

"We treat our guests like family," said Cora Valdeabella, front desk supervisor who's been at the NAS Lemoore Navy Lodge for 25 years.

NAS Lemoore Executive Officer Cmdr. Robert Quinn III said his family's stay at the Navy Lodge when they first arrived at the installation left a lasting impression.

"My family knew we were at a place where people cared," Quinn said during the ceremony. "You're the first impression for many newcomers and that's very important."

While the Navy Lodge is primarily used by families who are in transition between duty stations, Collier said her property could be used by families who are permanently stationed here.

"I'd like people to remember that the Navy Lodge is an option when you need a spare bedroom, for example, during the holidays when friends or family are visiting," Collier said.

The Navy Lodge serves customers from all of the service branches and Department of Defense employees, Collier added.

The Navy has mor than 42 Navy Lodges and Inns worldwide serving the military lodging community. Navy Lodge guests save an average of 40 percent compared to civilian hotels. The program provides $57 million in direct savings to the Navy and its guests.

Reservations may be made at www.navy-lodge.com or toll free 800-NAVY-INN.

For more news from Naval Air Station Lemoore, http://www.navy.mil/local/lemoore/.