Gold Plate competition coming soon Published Sept. 25, 2007 KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Thunderbird Inn dining facility is competing for the 2007 Air Force Materiel Command Gold Plate Award once again. The inn was selected as one of three finalists for the best dining facility in the command. The winner of the Gold Plate Award competes for the coveted John L. Hennessy Award, recognizing the best dining facility in the Air Force. The AFMC evaluation is Sept. 26. Customer service, kitchen operations, cleanliness, innovation, training and many other criteria will be considered in order to rate the entire food service operation.