Combat cooks feed 'America’s Battalion' in Afghanistan [Image 5 of 5]

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

12.16.2011

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder  

I Marine Expeditionary Force

This five-Marine team of cooks with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, prepare and serve three meals to approximately 500 hungry troops and civilian contractors here every day. Pictured are (left to right) Sgt. Aaron Sarinana, a 23-year-old El Paso, Texas native; Lance Cpl. Eduardo Barragan, a 20-year-old Orosi, Calif., native; Cpl. Exxon Suarez, a 21-year-old Portland, Ore., native; Staff Sgt. Lance Weier, a 34-year-old Hilo, Hawaii, native; and Lance Cpl. Dan Vanderkooy, a 22-year-old Mt. Vernon, Wash., native. “The best part of our job is making good food for our guys instead of only serving [unitized group rations] and meals, ready-to-eat,” Suarez said. “A lot of people come in and say ‘chow’ is the best part of their day.”

• Date Taken: 12.16.2011
• Date Posted: 12.18.2011 07:16
• Photo ID: 501155
• VIRIN: 111216-M-MM918-006
• Resolution: 2100x1358
• Size: 1.99 MB
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI, HELMAND PROVINCE, AF