New catering manager sets sights on fresh, healthy food

  • Published
  • By Megan Just
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  Annette McWilliams may be new on base, but she's not new to Air Force club management. McWilliams, who oversees Hap Arnold Club's catering and food and beverage service, settled into her new office in the foyer of the Hap Arnold Conference Center at the end of February. There, she is staged to meet her catering clients, as well as oversee operations in the kitchen that is just a few steps away.

"She has impeccable credentials with a track record of success. She is the breath of fresh air the Hap Arnold Club needs," said Cary Kerr, 452nd Force Support Squadron sustainment and community flight chief.

Kerr described McWilliams as "extremely detail-oriented" and said, "her demeanor is soft spoken but she is very forthright and direct."

McWilliams began her career in Air Force club management as a senior airman at Williams Air Force Base, Ariz. Fourteen years later, when the club management Air Force specialty code was deactivated, she continued for another decade with the Air Force as a civilian employee.

"It's a happy job," McWilliams said. "I love being with people and enjoy the challenges of the job. I like making things happen and I like having a good time."

After her husband retired from the Air Force and they moved to Moreno Valley, McWilliams continued to work in the hospitality industry. At March, McWilliams oversees the food and beverage service for UTA troop feeding, Sally's Alley and Ace's SportsBar. She also manages the catering menu and helps community members organize functions at the club.

"I like to help plan special events. I enjoy making sure everybody's happy and satisfied with their service and products," she said.

Customer satisfaction, McWilliams said, involves much more that the execution of the event. She enjoys working closely with her clients to create a custom menu to  accommodate different budgets. McWilliams prefers to work with clients in person and requests they call ahead for an appointment to make sure she is in the office and can give them her undivided attention.

The Hap Arnold Club hosts a wide spectrum of events, from official functions to small social gatherings. Past events at the club have included squadron meetings, retirement receptions, weddings, Air Force conferences, high school graduation parties, memorial gatherings, formal dances and anniversary celebrations.

Active duty, Reserve and Guard service members are eligible to join the club, as well as retirees, dependents and widows. All club members can book an event at the Hap Arnold Club and club members can also sponsor events for a person who is not eligible. McWilliams said it is common for Hap Arnold Club members to host events on behalf of someone in their church or extended family.

Throughout her history in club management, McWilliams has always been passionate about helping clubs reach their full potential. While serving at Iraklion Air Station in Crete,
she was Sixteenth Air Force's club manager of the year for helping to revive the consolidated club. She also helped the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base enlisted club team become the most improved club in the tactical air command. In her first year at Nellis Air Force Base, she tripled the bottom line of the Time Out Sports Club.

"We can always do better," she said.

At March, McWilliams is looking forward to working with Col. Mary Lussier's nutrition project team to improve food quality and expand menu offerings. McWillams wants to ensure club members always have the choice of healthy, low fat items as well as heavier, traditional foods.

"We're looking to revamp from top to bottom," she said. "Things are already changing."

McWilliams said she also plans to develop the club's two bars, improve service etiquette and implement a rigorous staff training plan. But, regardless of the transformations she and the staff of the club make, she said the success of a club all comes down to the participation of its members.

"It takes everybody's support to make changes in the club," she said. "Now we need the members to come and enjoy the improvements."

The Hap Arnold Club's phone number is 951-655-4920.  For more information about March Air Reserve Base, visit thier website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.