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    In austere environment, cook helps improve morale

    In austere environment, cook helps improve morale

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ange Desinor | From left, Sgt. William Burrell, left, the noncommissioned officer in charge of...... read more read more

    PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA

    12.16.2014

    Story by Sgt. Ange Desinor  

    13th Public Affairs Detachment

    PAYNESVILLE, Liberia – On a typical morning in Liberia, Spc. Benjamin Ross is up before the crack of dawn to make sure he feeds the U.S. service members and DoD civilians who are deployed to the National Police Training Academy, Monrovia, Liberia, in support of Operation United Assistance.

    “We need more vegetables,” shouted Staff Sgt. Dedric White, a Portsmouth, Virginia, native and a senior food operations sergeant for Forward Support Company, 62nd Battalion, 36th Engineer, at the NPTA, Dec. 15.

    “Roger sergeant,” replied Spc. Benjamin Ross, a Chicago native and food service specialist, as he grabbed a pan of green beans and hands it to White.

    The daily routine in Liberia is endless for Ross.

    “There's more to just cooking in a field environment,” said Ross. “Every morning, I wake up at 4 a.m. to serve more than 700 service members and civilians.”

    Even through the long hours, White said the specialist is always upbeat.

    “Ross is like the comedian here,” said White. “He's always joking, he loves music and he keeps everyone laughing and entertained.”

    Customer satisfaction is his top priority, said Ross.

    “I'm really happy that I can provide quality meals to customers,” said Ross. “The look on their faces, the positive comments that they say about the foods, and the support, really highlights my day.”

    Ross said the unit is living in an austere environment and his mission is important.

    “Without two hot meals a day, the Soldiers morale would be down,” said Ross. “We help bring up the morale by going above and beyond of what we are supposed to do. We don't just serve food, we decorate the [dinning facility]. We get creative with the meal and how we set it up. During the holidays is when we really show out.”

    Ross wanted to help support the mission to potentially end Ebola in Liberia.

    “I volunteered to come here and provide support to the cooks as well as provide support to the Soldiers,” said Ross. “While the Soldiers are out in the economy building Ebola treatment units, they can always come back and enjoy a hot meal.”

    Ross said he enjoys his job.

    “I really love what I do,” said Ross. “Although it's tough now, I know later on I will appreciate it more especially since I'm part of something big.”


    White said Ross has a passion for his work that will help him progress in his career.

    “I see a lot of potential in Ross,” said White. “I see him being very successful in the military. He has some ways to go, but I'm going to help him get there.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.16.2014
    Date Posted: 12.17.2014 07:35
    Story ID: 150516
    Location: PAYNESVILLE, LR
    Hometown: CHICAGO, IL, US
    Hometown: PORTSMOUTH, VA, US

    Web Views: 240
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN