Photo By Staff Sgt. Justin Shemanski | Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Ehler, a pharmaceutical representative with Medical...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - While an electric burner warmed to its optimum temperature, Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Ehler continued with the rest of the preparation work.
After several ounces of water were poured into an aluminum reservoir, extra-fine coffee grinds were carefully measured and packed into a reusable funnel filter, then all components were combined – the product of this daily ritual would amount to pure morning bliss in a matter of a few more minutes. The resulting aroma, created as hot pressurized steam pushed through the grinds, was already attracting a crowd.
Is there a better way to begin the daily grind than with a cup of genuine Neapolitan-style espresso?
According to the Marines and sailors of Medical Logistics Detachment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), one would be hard pressed to find something superior, especially in Afghanistan.
“Coffee is just one of those things, a worldwide phenomenon,” said Ehler, who happily slings at least two-dozen cups of his gourmet brew each day to anyone - mostly co-workers - who desire a quick pick-me-up of exceptional taste.
By trade, the Yuma, Ariz., native serves as a pharmaceutical representative in Helmand province, but when time allows he voluntarily takes on the additional duties of a barista as work begins each day. Ehler picked up his love for coffee while stationed aboard Naval Hospital Naples, Italy.
“When I arrived in Italy I wanted to learn everything about the culture,” he explained. “Coffee is deeply rooted in their traditions and it’s just something that interested me.”
He learned the basics of coffee making from friends native to the region and enhanced his technical knowledge even further by reading and experimenting. Ehler has invested hundreds of dollars into the hobby and finds his fellow service members as the perfect group with which to hone the trade. Vice payment of any type, the aspiring entrepreneur sees more value in feedback and honest opinion.
“One day I’d like to own my own coffee shop,” said Ehler. “By doing this here each morning, I get to learn about preferences, what people like and exactly how they like it. I get to see what ‘sells’ and what does not. I get to understand the business a little better.”
From the reactions of those who had just downed a few ounces of the good stuff, it could be said that he is well on his way to accomplishing his ambitious goal.
“For now though, I’m just happy to have a chance to perfect the skill,” he concluded. “Everyone’s a regular here and they get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It’s all about raising morale.”
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.26.2011 04:33 |
| Story ID: | 80568 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 111 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Java Joe: MedLog Sailor serves up gourmet coffee to fellow troops, by SSgt Justin Shemanski, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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