What's on the Menu?

Photo By Spc. Christopher Grammer | A vendor prepares fajitas for the food service representatives during the menu board held April 9 at the Agility warehouse in Kuwait City.  

KUWAIT

04.09.2008

Story by Spc. Christopher Grammer 

50th Public Affairs Detachment

By Pfc. Christopher Grammer
50th Public Affairs Detachment

KUWAIT - The food service representatives discussed various topics that apply to deployed troops and the meals they receive at dining facilities in theater.

"The purpose of the menu board is to find out if there are any problems with the food troops are receiving and if there are any new meals that they can put in the catalogue," said Sgt. 1st Class Thurman Presley, the theater food service supervisor for U.S. Army Central G4.

One of the main issues discussed was how to properly feed detainees and local nationals. The detainees in Iraq and the local nationals who receive hospital care lack ethnic meals that match their usual diet, said Chief Warrant Officer Jacob Dingle, a food service advisor with ARCENT G4. Some of the foods detainees desire include plain yogurt, pita bread, feta cheese, dates, and figs. Some detainees have resorted to making their own yogurt in their holding cells.

Another issue that was brought up is the cost of purchasing individual juices and Gatorade. A solution to this problem brought up at the meeting was switching to CO2 machines to dispense the juices and Gatorade to troops, Presley said. This plan which is in the process of being implemented throughout theater is projected to save the U.S. military 43 million dollars.

Also among the topics discussed were the meals troops are served during holidays. Possible changes to the menu were exchanged during the meeting so as to make the meals more in line with traditional holiday meals.

After the initial meeting was concluded and all issues were addressed, those attending the menu board had the opportunity to taste test potential additions to the dining facility menu. Self heating coffees, energy drinks and many other products were tested and scored on taste and quality.

"The U.S. Army has come a long way from how we fed our Soldiers in the past and nowadays we're feeding coalition forces, civilians, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, said Maj. John W. Quinene, ARCENT G4 theater food service officer. "That old adage holds true today, 'An Army travels on it's stomach.'"

• Date Taken: 04.09.2008
• Date Posted: 04.30.2008 02:49
• Story ID: 18921
• Location: KW