Cook boosts morale of cavalry soldiers

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Shawn Hedrick, a cook in Troop B, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, opens boxes of food rations at Combat Out Post Little Blue, Afghanistan, July 12. Hedrick orders and prepares food for soldiers of COP Little Blue. (Photo by: Capt. Michael Newman, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division)  

SHAH WALI KOT, AFGHANISTAN

07.17.2011

Story by Spc. April York 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

SHAH WALI KOT, Afghanistan - Things taken for granted in civilian life, can make or break the morale of a deployed soldier. Mail, pay and showers can affect morale but a delicious hot meal can improve a soldier’s mood like no other.

Sgt. Shawn Hedrick, a cook with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 25th Brigade Support Battalion is doing his best to improve morale of his fellow soldiers in Troop B, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

“When our platoon is out on long missions, eating [Meals Ready to Eat], we get back dead tired and we have a great meal waiting for us that is a huge morale booster,” said Pvt. 1st Class Steven Flores, a medic with Troop B, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.

Hedrick not only prepares meals for the soldiers, he also orders the food rations. When the food comes in, Hedrick must inventory and take steps to prepare the food.

“He doesn’t just rip into the bag and cook it,” Flores said. “He has all kinds of spices that he adds which makes a big difference.”

Although cooking is Hedrick’s primary mission, he helps fellow soldiers however he can.

“He jumps right in and gives a hand,” Flores said. “Whenever the shower, generator, or whatever is down, he is always the first one there to get it fixed.”

Hedrick is only attached to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, but he is a true asset and has really become part of the cavalry team, Flores said.

Hedrick enjoys his job and what he brings to the table.

“When you can see the labors of your work, it feels good. These guys are out there every day fighting for me, for everybody. I support them and they support me,” Hedrick said.

• Date Taken: 07.17.2011
• Date Posted: 07.18.2011 01:44
• Story ID: 73876
• Location: SHAH WALI KOT, AF