72nd Joint Area Support Group on Camp Prosperity hosts Chili Cook-Off

Photo By Staff Sgt. Melissa Bright | In this image released by the Texas Army National Guard, 1st Sgt. Michael Crummedyo, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, displays the prize to be awarded to the winner of the 72nd IBCT Texas Independence Day Celebration and Chili Cook-Off on Camp Prosperity, Baghdad, March 13. The guitar was signed by country music star, Aaron Tippin.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.13.2010

Story by Sgt. Melissa Bright 

72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (36th ID, TXARNG)

BAGHDAD - Die-hard chili fans living on Camp Prosperity had the opportunity to sample offerings from eight teams that participated in a cook-off, March 13, as part of a Texas Independence Day Celebration put on by the Joint Area Support Group Morale Welfare and Recreation committee.

Just like a good pot of chili has a variety of ingredients, the teams were a combination of civilians, Army and Navy personnel. Some were professional chefs with degrees from fine European institutions while others were just self-proclaimed professional eaters using their wives' tried and true recipe.

The team names were either indicative of where they worked like the Human Resource Bandito's or showed devotion to family members like Team Kyann Creation, named after the wife of Chief Warrant Officer James Cambron. Others were just plain fun like BH3, whose members painstakingly diced a small mountain of fresh garlic to add to their pot.

This creativity carried over into the ingredients used to supplement the basics provided by the dining facility. Each team started out with precooked meat and beans, stewed tomatoes, onions and various spices.

To this, some added diced smoked chilies they thoroughly rehydrated; others had spices sent from home mixed by loved ones intent on bringing victory to their team. Whatever additions each team made, they all had three hours allotted for cooking before turning over a portion of their pot o'red to an impartial judging panel.

To ensure fairness, the judges were seated facing away from the competitors and their cooking station, at no time were they able make a connection between the bowl in front of them and their buddies in the office.

Once the judges had received their samples, the giant five-gallon pots were opened to the general public to pair with steamed rice or sweet cornbread and sweet tea.

While waiting for the final results, some passed the time by taking part in volleyball and horseshoe matches, while others grabbed the MWR microphone for some impromptu karaoke singing.

Shortly after Team Silverado was announced as the winner live on AFN Freedom Radio, the group was presented with an autographed guitar, signed by country singer Aaron Tippin.

Team Silverado included Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Mangel and Sgt. Shelby Ritsick with the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Houston, Texas, Sgt. Rontreal Perkins from N.C., also with 72nd IBCT and Spc. Christopher Guardiola with the 551st Military Police Battalion from Fort Campbell, Ky.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2010
• Date Posted: 03.15.2010 06:46
• Story ID: 46673
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ